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Dec 12,2018
SUPPORT REAFFIRMED TO THE AFRICAN INITIATIVE FOR PEACE AND RECONCILIATION IN CAR

The Central African Government and MINUSCA reiterated on Wednesday their support for the dialogue process under the African Union Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic. The spokespersons of the Executive, the Minister of Communication and Media Angel Maxime Kazagui, and MINUSCA, Vladimir Monteiro, were speaking in Bangui, during the two-monthly joint press conference of the two institutions.

"The Government is engaged in this process of dialogue. This is a process put in place at the request of the President of the Republic, "said the minister and spokesman, adding that the Government was going this Wednesday to the National Assembly for a session on the African Initiative. For his part, the MINUSCA spokesperson reiterated the importance of the dialogue process, under this initiative, to "support the authorities to reduce the presence and threat of armed groups".

During the joint press conference, the minister and spokesman announced the launch of the large DDRR (Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, Repatriation) by President Faustin Touadéra, on December 17, in Paoua with the armed groups of the West of the country. For MINUSCA, this is a great moment that "will have to reach other regions" in accordance with the commitments made by all the armed groups in 2015 in Bangui.

The Government spokesman also spoke about the deployment of the Central African Armed Forces (FACA), including Bocaranga, highlighting their "contribution to security where they are deployed, alongside peacekeepers." "In 2018, we witnessed the strengthening of the partnership, in the field, between MINUSCA and the FACA, following their deployment in Paoua, Bangassou, Sibut, Bambari and Bouar", for its part, said the spokesperson of MINUSCA. "The international community as a whole supports the FACA, including training by the European Union, the granting of weapons by Russia, vehicles by the United States of America, support equipment by the United States of America. France and non-lethal weapons by China. With regard to MINUSCA, this support will continue in particular in the context of the recruitment process of the 1.

The MINUSCA spokesperson also announced the UN Security Council's upcoming renewal of the Mission's mandate, noting that the new mandate will be aimed at strengthening the gains, especially in the area of ​​the restoration of authority. of the State throughout the territory. "The Mission will continue its close collaboration with the Central African authorities and other Central African actors, but also with the population, in Bangui as well as in the prefectures, to explain this new mandate and to implement it," he concluded.

Central African Republic: Russian President Vladimir Putin is planning an official visit to Bangui in very soon!

Posted on Thursday December 13th 2018 | The Central African Potential

Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit the capital of CAR, Bangui, with an official visit to strengthen relations between the two countries. As Kremlin sources have shared, the Russian leader plans to discuss during his visit the security problems of the CAR and the development issues of the country.

It is nice that our Russian partners are seeing the progress of mutually beneficial relations between CAR and Russia. Moscow understands that the dialogue with our country should not be based on the position of force, they do not try to impose their point of view, they know that African problems require an African solution. Russia is close to us in spirit. Russia has never subjugated anyone, for centuries it has defended its territories from foreign incursions. Our Russian friends know that it is the struggle for independence. Even today, when many defense documents are in force, Russia is oppressed by economic sanctions.

The visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin means that Russia is ready for dialogue at the highest level. The talks of the Russian leader with Faustin-Archange Touadéra will be a mark in the modern history of our country. It is not excluded that the Presidents will enter into mutual agreements with each other.

We would like to remind you that Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov held talks with RCA President Faustin-Archange Touadera earlier. The Russian Minister and the CAR leader had an "on the spot" meeting of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly New York. The parties discussed issues of humanitarian partnership, trade and economic interaction, and up-to-date political relations issues.

Sergei Lavrov and Faustin-Archange Touadéra discussed the prospects for the national regulation process in CAR. During the meeting, it was agreed that it is very important to harmonize the international efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation in the Central African Republic within the framework of the African Union Peace Initiative.

It is important to note that the friendly country, Russia, has already made a great contribution to the process of peaceful settlement in CAR. With the help of Russian diplomats members of the "Antibalaka" and Ex-Seleka groups sat down at the negotiating table with representatives of the Central African Republic authorities and signed the Khartoum Declaration. It is noted in the document that all parties to the dialogue are interested in establishing peace and stabilizing the situation in CAR throughout the country.

By Associated Press
December 13 at 5:01 PM
UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council has approved a resolution extending the mandate of the 14,600-strong U.N. peacekeeping mission in conflict-wracked Central African Republic.

The French-drafted resolution adopted Thursday urges all militias and armed groups in the country “to lay down their arms, cease all forms of violence and destabilizing activities.”

It calls on President Faustin-Archange Touadera to advance talks with armed groups and national reconciliation “without delay.”

Russia and China abstained from voting.

Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said Moscow supports the peacekeeping force but he sharply criticized France for not including Russian concerns in the resolution. Russia wanted the U.N. force to support its training of Central African Republic troops.

The country has faced interreligious and intercommunal fighting since 2013, and violence has intensified and spread in the past year.

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

MEPs approve ratification of military cooperation agreement between Central African Republic and Russia
2018-12-14 Central African Republic , POLITICS
Bangui, Central African Republic (ADV) - The elected officials of the nation voted yesterday by acclamation the bill to ratify the defense agreement between the Central African Republic and Russia, a new partner in the security environment in the Central African Republic.

"The Russian military is currently with our military in some provincial towns. And this Defense Agreement will further strengthen our military cooperation, "said Marie Noëlle Koyara, Central African Minister of Defense.

This vote of the people's elected representatives comes in a context where the Russian presence in the Central African Republic was not at all appreciated by some Western powers who consider the Russian instructors here as mercenaries. The vote of the deputies of the national assembly formalizes this military cooperation.

This military cooperation agreement with Russia completes the list of other agreements with countries and partners such as France, China, the European Union and the United States in several areas of common interest.

"We are delighted to see the members of this House vote in favor of this Defense Agreement that will allow our military and our homeland security forces to protect us and to have a different dimension and to respond to the challenges that lie ahead. impose on us, "said the Minister Delegate of Foreign Affairs, Chancel Sékodé Ndeugbayi.

According to ADV information, this agreement will also allow Russia to support the Central African armed forces in the field of intelligence and provides for the training of Central African military in Russian military academies and military assistance between the two countries in case of foreign aggression . Russia could increase the number of its troops in the country as well as its material and military equipment.

This parliamentary exercise comes after the signing of a memorandum of understanding on August 21, 2018, between the Central African Republic and Russia, on the sidelines of the Armaments Forum in Russia.

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 18th December, 2018) Russian efforts toward resolving the crisis in the Central African Republic (CAR) are in line with the African Union's policies, and the West's attempts to prove otherwise are groundless, Andrei Kemarsky, the director of the RussianForeign Ministry's Department of Africa, told Sputnik.

"I'd like to emphasize that Russian and Sudanese efforts that contributed to the signing of the Khartoum Declaration do not in any way contravene the African Union's steps. Moreover, the declaration stresses that the measures that it envisages are directly linked to the African peace initiative. Our Western partners' attempts to contrast Russian efforts with the African Union policy are absolutely groundless," Kemarsky said.

The senior diplomat specified that Russia considered the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in CAR, which the African Union approved in January 2017, as the basis of the peace process.

He added that it was within this initiative that Russia-brokered peace talks between the major warring parties were held in the Sudanese capital of Khartoum, which resulted in the signing of the Khartoum Declaration. Kemarsky also called on the country's authorities to launch a national reconciliation process that is mediated by Russia, the European Union, and regional and international organizations.

On August 28, the same day when the two-day talks finished, a meeting within the African Initiative for Peace and Reconciliation in CAR started, during which representatives of 14 armed groups made an effort toward creating a common platform for talks with the government.

Kemarsky voiced his belief that western states, including France, were jealous of Russia's increasing role in the CAR settlement process.

"Although terror acts continue, as well as confrontations between armed groups and governmentforces, the process is generally becoming more and more positive. Russia's contribution is quite substantial, while western states' involvement has clearly become less efficient," the diplomat said, specifying that France failed to achieve positive changes in spite of being historically present in CARdue to its colonial past.

He said that Russia's engagement in the settlement process had yielded progress, and that the country's role was becoming more dominant even though it had been present in CAR for only just a year.

"This causes concern and jealousy of the countries that were traditionally influential in CAR and regarded the state as their patrimony," Kemarsky specified.

The diplomat added that since the West was concerned over Russia's strengthening position, they were spreading misinformation, pursuing slanderous campaigns, introducing sanctions and also trying to hamper Russian business.

CAR has been struggling to stop the conflict between the mainly Muslim armed group Seleka, Christian Anti-balaka militia and government forces since 2012.

IMF Executive Board also concludes the 2018 Article IV consultation.
The Central African Republic authorities implement a comprehensive economic reform program to entrench macroeconomic stability, buttress inclusive growth, and reduce poverty.
Growth is estimated at 4.3 percent in 2017 and is expected to remain broadly unchanged.
On December 19, 2018, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the fifth review under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF)arrangement for the Central African Republic. Completion of this review enables the disbursement of SDR 22.84 million (about US$31.6 million).

The three-year ECF arrangement was approved by the IMF Executive Board on July 20, 2016 and access has been augmented twice to a total of SDR 133.68 million (about US$185.2 million or 120 percent of the Central African Republic’s quota).

Following the Executive Board’s discussion on the Central African Republic, Mr. Mitsuhiro Furusawa, Deputy Managing Director and Acting Chair, made the following statement:

“Central African Republic’s performance under the ECF‑supported program has been satisfactory despite a challenging security environment and difficult humanitarian conditions.

“The authorities remain committed to maintain fiscal policy consistent with macroeconomic stability, which is critical for economic growth and poverty reduction. The 2019 budget is anchored to the domestic primary balance objective while allowing a scale-up of social and capital spending. The integration in the budget of previously excluded revenues and expenses of government agencies and funds is an important step to enhance fiscal transparency.

“Strong efforts to mobilize domestic revenues, which remain weak, will be critical to sustainably finance an increase of public services. To that end, the authorities will step up the use of IT tools and modernize the customs and revenue administration. Given the country’s high risk of debt distress, continued reliance on grant financing is essential to support debt sustainability. The implementation of the investment program for the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan will boost economic prospects, create jobs, and reduce poverty.

“Structural reforms have progressed, contributing to the strengthening of the treasury single account, streamlining of quasi-fiscal taxes, improved budget transparency and traceability of domestic revenues. Quarterly publication of budget execution reports allows for better tracking and monitoring of government expenditures. More consideration should be given to strengthening financial oversight of public institutions and state-owned enterprises, reducing exceptional payment procedures, improving the business climate, and strengthening the asset declaration regime. It will also be important to follow through on commitments to strengthen governance and transparency in the management of natural resources.

“Central African Republic’s program continues to be supported by the implementation of supportive policies and reforms by the regional institutions in the areas of foreign exchange regulations and monetary policy framework and to support an increase in regional net foreign assets, which are critical to the program’s success.”

The Executive Board of the IMF also concluded the 2018 Article IV consultation with the Central African Republic.

Growth is estimated at 4.3 percent in 2017 and is expected to remain broadly unchanged driven by a dynamic forestry sector, construction and externally financed investment projects. Inflation fell on the back of price declines for food and manufacturing products. Growth could increase to 5 percent in the medium term. However, risks are on the downside, mainly due to the volatile security situation. The projections are predicated on progress in peace and reconciliation efforts under the African Union Initiative, the gradual extension of security forces and public services in provinces, and steadfast implementation of reforms.

In July 2018, the Parliament passed a revised budget to reflect the fiscal performance in the first half of the year. Data through end-September confirms that the fiscal deficit remains contained and that the fiscal program is on track. The current account deficit is estimated at 8.3 percent of GDP in 2017. Currently available information suggests it will remain at a similar level in 2018. While the oil import bill is set to increase, higher timber exports and the sale of stockpiled diamonds will offset the effect on the trade balance. The banking sector remained stable and credit growth to the economy has picked up to 5.2 percent (y-o-y) at end-September 2018.

The Central African Republic authorities have implemented a comprehensive economic reform program to entrench macroeconomic stability, buttress inclusive growth, and reduce poverty. The parliament adopted a 2019 budget consistent with macroeconomic stability. The 2019 budget enhances fiscal transparency by integrating previously excluded fiscal revenues and expenditure. The authorities also envisage to increase social spending. To bolster growth prospects, resilience, and poverty reduction, the authorities have committed to strengthen fiscal revenue mobilization, enhance good governance, promote gender equality and improve the business climate.

Executive Board Assessment [1]

Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. Given the persistent insecurity and the large humanitarian needs of the population, they recognized the Central African Republic’s efforts to implement its economic program and the satisfactory performance under the ECF arrangement. Directors stressed the importance of rebuilding sound institutions and maintaining macroeconomic stability, which provide an important opportunity toward exiting fragility. Against this difficult backdrop, Directors welcomed the authorities’ continued commitment to the program objectives, and underscored the need to implement the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan and the development agenda to boost economic prospects. Directors emphasized that higher and inclusive growth will be critical to create jobs and reduce poverty. They underlined the importance of continued Fund engagement through ongoing technical assistance and close coordination with other development partners, paying due regard to the country’s absorptive capacity.

Directors welcomed the authorities’ commitment to ensure that fiscal policy remains consistent with macroeconomic stability while stepping up social spending. They underscored the importance of further improving domestic revenue mobilization to sustainably expand the provision of public services. In this regard, Directors encouraged the authorities to further strengthen customs and tax administration, enhance information exchange between government agencies, modernize payment systems, and use IT systems more comprehensively. They commended the authorities for integrating in the 2019 budget previously excluded expenditures and revenues from government agencies and funds, as well as for increasing the budget allocation for key ministries providing social services. Directors welcomed the recent simplification of the oil price structure that would limit the fiscal impact of higher global oil prices.

Directors noted the progress in improving public financial management, including regular and timely budget execution reporting and reduced use of exceptional spending procedures. They encouraged the authorities to further streamline quasi‑fiscal taxes and levies. Directors underscored the importance of good governance and the fight against corruption. They encouraged the authorities to strengthen the asset declaration regime, implement the United Nations Convention against Corruption, and improve the management of natural resources, including by adhering to the principles of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

Directors noted the staff assessment that the external position appears weaker than implied by medium‑term fundamentals and desirable policies. They pointed out that the insecurity, high transportation cost, and a weak judicial system undermine the country’s attractiveness for investment. Noting the high risk of debt distress, Directors recommended limiting borrowing and seeking instead to mobilize grant financing to its fullest extent. They also called for continued efforts to resolve external arrears. Directors welcomed progress to clear domestic arrears and encouraged steadfast implementation of the strategy while ensuring transparency and accountability of the process.

Directors noted that the Central African Republic’s program continues to be supported by the implementation of policies and reforms by the regional institutions, which are critical to the program’s success. These comprise the implementation of the three policy assurances provided in the June 2018 Letter of Policy Support, as updated with respect to the assurance on NFAs by the December 2018 Letter, and as discussed in the December 2018 union‑wide background paper. Completion of the sixth review will be conditional on the implementation of these policy assurances.

It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with the Central African Republic will be held in accordance with the Executive Board decision on consultation cycles for members with Fund arrangements.

3 Comprises government debt to BEAC, commercial banks and government arrears.

[1] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country's authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here:http://www.imf.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm .

Despite staying quiet on the news front in 2018, AXMIN (TSXV:AXM) had a wildly successful yearwith regard to its share price, which is currently up nearly 700 percent year-to-date.

In a conversation with the Investing News Network (INN), AXMIN CFO David Weill shared insight on the spike, which he says was driven by three main factors, including a royalty stream in Senegal with miner Teranga Gold (TSX:TGZ) for the Gora deposit.

“If you just look at our accounts, we’re cashflow profitable [and] accounting profitable, just on the royalty stream that we have now from Teranga on one site, which is the Gora site, and we have 17 more potential sites to be developed with Teranga,” Weill said. “The second factor is definitely the Central African Republic (CAR) geopolitical situation turning the corner.”

The company, whose Passendro gold project is located in the CAR, has faced hiccups over the last year due to a turbulent time in the the country with relation to local security issues. However, according to Weill, things have started to simmer down in the country through avenues like military reforms and support from countries like France and Russia.

As for the third factor pushing AXMIN ahead, Weill pointed to the company cleaning up its balance sheet and being in a “very strong financial situation.” This stems in part from the company’s royalty agreement with Teranga, mentioned above, which still stands to expand.

“We had numerous properties in Senegal that we basically farmed out to Teranga where we would do a joint development and, since we’re focusing really on the CAR property, we opted to go for a NSR — net smelter return royalty — so we simply take 1.5 percent off the top,” Weill said.

“The first property that came into production was the Gora deposit, which was a huge winner, but we have 17 more. We don’t know what Teranga is planning to do with the additional properties. They do look highly prospective to us, but the fundamental decision now as to exploration and then eventual production lies with Teranga,” he explained.

As mentioned, despite its major share price gain AXMIN put out minimal press releases throughout the year. In fact, the company released a statement in August explaining it was unsure of any specific reason for increased market activity.

However, at the time, AXMIN had been working to settle a drawn-out accounts payable issue with a consultant that helped secure its ownership of licenses in the CAR. Weill told INN that the statement was a standard way of informing the TSX that nothing with the dispute had been officially resolved yet, but also said he feels the growth in activity came from the market re-evaluating the CAR’s profitability.

“We were in the process of getting TSX approval for eliminating the accounts payable, which we did by issuing shares of about three times the market price, and also paying a certain amount of cash,” he said. “But that transaction was not complete, and the market had no knowledge of it. What the market was doing, in my opinion, was reassessing the prospects of the CAR as a country.”

With the CAR’s geopolitical situation now on the rise and AXMIN’s check book being a clean slate, the company has plans in 2019 to step up its online presence and further develop its assets.

“I think you’re seeing the very beginning of it in that we’re going to be highly communicative,” Weill said.

“We’re going to be far more proactive in our press releases and we’re basically looking to develop our in-country staff, further our relationship with the government and the government agencies that will be directly involved with our operation. We’re going to be actively soliciting strategic partners to assist us in developing the assets and we’re really just going to take it from there.”

As of Monday (December 24) at 1:00 p.m. EST, AXMIN’s share price was sitting at C$0.235, up 683.33 percent year-to-date.

Don’t forget to follow us @INN_Resource for real-time news updates!

Securities Disclosure: I, Olivia Da Silva, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

December 25, 2018
After several years of violence, the CAR is starting to return to its old-fashioned atmosphere. The preparations for the end of year festivities are going well and Bangui is vibrating with the Christmas celebration. Markets and streets are teeming with toys and the world.

Almost all markets, department stores and avenues are full of toys of all kinds.

To avoid any overflow on the avenues of the city center, the central city hall decided this year to create a common Christmas market. A soccer field in the 1st arrondissement houses this place, " quickly become attractive" according to Emile Gros-Raymond Nakombo, mayor of Bangui.

The existence of this common market has created a real competition between toy merchants. Those who benefit are the customers who come in droves. For some, prices are affordable this year, others think the opposite.
According to the vendors, the restoration of security on the Bangui-Douala axis has allowed the mass arrival of toys, which has considerably lowered prices, as confirmed a trader at VOA Africa.

Even if a common market selling toys and other objects exists in the 1st arrondissement, the markets, streets and neighborhoods of other boroughs vibrate to the sound of trumpets, whistles, blows of horns.

In short, the Central African capital is recovering its atmosphere before the security crisis.

If you go to the website and translate it from French To English, you'll see that there's a big push from the government to invest in the country. Lots of projects are oil & gas based, but I bet they add Passendro sometime this year.

Gouvernement de la Centrafrique is with Louis-Firmin Kongoubé and 35 others in Bangui, Central African Republic.
3 hrs ·
Dear all
I welcome you to the official portal of the ministry of mines and geology https://mines.gouv.cf/. this site to meet public expectations for information on the mining sector of the central African Republic. Indeed, the mining sector that could have brought economic growth very high, given the immense potential of the central African Republic, has not been at the meeting since the country's accession to independence. This is a matter of concern to which the government of the March 2016 elections attempts to provide a lasting response through the consolidation of the acquis and to draw up new guidelines on innovation and diversification.

Happy and happy year 2019 and
Good navigation

Leopold Mboli-fatran

Minister of mines and geology

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Gouvernement de la Centrafrique
Government Organization

https://uncareer.net/vacancy/program...cus-m2m-206890
Added Date: Wednesday, 02 January 2019
Deadline Date: Thursday, 28 March 2019
Organization: Pact
Country: Central African Republic
At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department

Mines to Markets (M2M) - Pact’s Mines to Markets Signature Initiative assists mineral-dependent communities to gain lasting benefits from the more sustainable use of the natural resources around them. Pact takes an integrated approach to its work in the mining sector: we link mining to livelihoods, governance, health, environment, and the strengthening of local, regional and national institutions. The M2M program is currently active in eleven countries, working with all scales of mining from large scale industrial operations (LSMs) to individual Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASMs) and their communities, in remote areas. For more information on current and some past projects at www.pactworld.org/mining.

Position Overview

Pact is seeking a Program Officer to support our expanding work gold mining communities, particularly in the African continent. While Pact has programs in several different mineral supply chains, this position will focus principally on artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) projects.

The chosen candidate will support the design, development and delivery of Pact’s work with companies, communities and governments in the global mining sector to contribute to the achievement of Pact’s overall strategy. The candidate will provide technical support and mentorship to Pact staff around the world, and provide leadership and oversight to program design, including proposal writing, and program implementation.

The candidate will be required to keep abreast of opportunities, regulations, actors, and best practices in the mining sector and to contribute to positioning Pact as a thought and practice leader in the field of mining, ASM formalization, and development. The Program Officer will be responsible for contributing to the development, implementation, and monitoring of project work plans, and liaising with country-based project teams to ensure adherence to best practices and standards. The candidate will be required to represent Pact at technical meetings and forums with key donors. The position will report to Daniel Stapper, Senior Program Office.

Key Responsibilities

Designing and implementing, with support from the M2M team, development programs focusing on the diverse needs of the ASGM sector. Contribute to Pact’s technical excellence in relation to working on gold in all stages of the mineral supply chain, and with diverse stakeholder groups.
Represent Pact’s technical capabilities and promote Pact’s programming at donor meetings, internal events and national/international gold, mercury, and cyanide conferences.
Contribute to the development of popular and peer-reviewed publications as well as communications materials for delivery through multiple media channels.
Remain abreast of trends and research findings regarding mining sector issues, corporate responsibility, regulatory frameworks, industry standards and best practice in the mining sector and participate in disseminating them to country offices and relevant communities of practice.
Contribute to Pact’s due diligence programs - to ensure engagement with gold mining companies & organizations meets international standards, especially OECD guidance.
Support field offices in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks involved in working with the mining sector, including human security and health risks associated with gold mining.
Play a role in business development by providing technical and business expertise and guidance, networking with donors to gather intelligence on up-coming funding opportunities, ensuring proposals are technically sound, and capitalizing upon Pact’s worldwide knowledge base.
Ensuring quality programming

Provide technical support and ongoing oversight to projects in the mining sector.
Share best practices with project staff on regular basis using multiple communications channels and mechanisms, and support the integration of best practices into Pact’s programming.
Contribute to synergizing and mentoring Pact’s dispersed talent in country offices.
Provide technical assistance to field offices so that they better understand and are better able to meet industry standards and expectations of donors.
Support implementation of the M2M portfolio by sourcing consultants, interviewing program staff, developing or reviewing SOWs/TORs, and reviewing reports and project documentation.
Offer technical guidance to country offices to support effective and efficient spending of project funds on programming and integrated learning.
Provide technical oversight to, and management of gold related programs, as assigned.
Develop and monitor implementation of project work plans; support skills development and mentoring; and participate in self and peer performance assessments.
Innovative program design, monitoring and evaluation
Contribute to technical learning across Pact on gold mining issues by staying up-to-date on best practices and research, networking with global technical stakeholders, and sharing learning in relevant and actionable ways across the organization.
Contribute to ensuring the mining sector is part of our Integrated Approach to maximize quality programming and impact and on the sharing of learnings across the organization and externally.
Work closely with technical staff to ensure integration across sectors and core competencies.
Contribute to technical aspects of proposal development (e.g. design workshops, technical reviews, bid reviews, and donor strategies).
Participate in scoping trips, proposal design meetings, recruitment of partners, responses to donor questions, and presentations to donors, when appropriate.
Under the guidance of the Senior Program Officers and M2M leadership, forge partnerships during pre-positioning and proposal development, building on previous strategic and technical experience with partners.
Basic Requirements
Bachelor’s degree (at minimum) in Geosciences, Engineering, Mining, or related field. Preference will be given to candidates with technical skills in exploration, engineering, mine development or similar technical areas.
5 years’ experience working in international development and/or corporate responsibility (3-4 years of experience if candidate has a Master’s or higher degree).
Experience working within ASGM contexts or on ASGM projects. Please list or describe these projects in your CV or cover letter.
Strong planning and management skills, with evidence provided in cover letter.
Ability and willingness to multitask, balancing and adapting to frequently changing priorities.
Ability to establish and sustain interpersonal and professional relationships with donors, local partners, host governments and other implementing organizations, as well as Pact staff.
Experience in fund raising (proposal writing) and project management (evidence to be provided in cover letter).
Experience with the mining sector, to be explained in cover letter: could include mineral extraction and processing; chemical-free gold processing; health and safety; environmental regulation; mining governance instruments and bodies; best practice and international standards (especially OECD); trade, supply chains and market access, etc.
Knowledge and experience in mercury reduction in ASGM contexts, is highly desired, and should be evidenced in cover letter.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs, especially word, excel and PowerPoint (at minimum).
Excellent written and oral communications in English, and preferably (at least) 1 additional language.
Professional writing experience: experience in writing technical reports or similar.
Travel time required for this position is estimated to be 30%, but can be up to 50%. If this will be a challenge for applicant, relevant details should be indicated in cover letter.
Pact provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

NEWSROOM (ADV) – An international peace mission composed of UN officials, the African Union (AU), and diplomats from bordering countries of the Central African Republic (CAR) is expected next Tuesday in the Central African capital Bangui, said Sunday the press spokesman of the Central African Presidency.

The mission includes UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Smaïl Chergui and Foreign Ministers from neighboring countries. According to the communication advisor and spokesperson of the Central African presidency, Albert Yaloké-Mokpème, the purpose of this mission is to agree with the Central African State of the places and dates of the various meetings between the Central African Government and the armed groups active across the country.

At the end of this meeting under the auspices of the AU, the parties concerned will have to proceed to the final signing of the documents, in Bangui.

The disarmament, demobilization and reintegration into civilian life of armed groups will be on the agenda of the meeting, Yaloké-Mokpème said.

As a prelude to this meeting of national reconciliation, the Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra consulted with the political, religious and social entities of the country.

According to the exchanges, it emerged that the planned discussions must be held in strict compliance with the Constitution and that there should be no amnesty for perpetrators of crimes committed in the territory, with a view to ensure zero impunity.

Important Dates Regarding The Central African Republic Over The Next 3 Weeks

January 10th-11th - Bambari Food Festival. National Holiday and will promote the freedom of Bambari. This town is located just south of Axmin's gold deposit and has been under rebel control since 2013 until recently. Very important strategic location.

January 24th - African Union & United Nations will host a meeting in Khartoum(Sudan) between the CAR government and all rebel groups. This should be the final signing of peace. Even getting half of the groups to agree is a major boost to stabilization

January 30th-31st - United Nations will either renew or let expire the weapons embargo that has been in place since 2013. There is a strong consensus that the embargo will drop and FACA soldiers will get high end military equipment to help finish off any rebels left

All this information can be found on the Axmin facebook page. However some of it might need to be translated into english.

Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR) - The Central African army is becoming more powerful and regaining control of several cities once occupied by rebels. The city of Bocaranga in the Northeast is taken over without a fight on January 7, 2019.

The Central African Armed Forces (FACA), dislocated since the seizure of power of the Seleka rebellion in 2013, began to restructure with the support of the European mission EUTM-RCA but especially the Russian instructors, who train them in handling weapons and fighting techniques.

Even though several cities still remain controlled by rebels, who continue despite the UN embargo on arms to rearm, the national army, which launched the reconquest of cities is moving forward in its project, a wish the most money of the population, already bruised by the crisis.

The city of Bocaranga, a sub-prefecture of Ouham Pendé in the north, formerly occupied by the rebels of 3R Sidiki Abbas, returns under the control of the army, after a first attempt last December. According to ADV information, the warlord Sidiki has entrenched himself 40 km from the city. Angry, his elements attacked, looted and robbed some residents near Bouar in the prefecture of Nana-Mambéré.

"The population is jubilant to welcome its army, after six years of absence in the city. But we do not want a joint operation with Minusca, "said a resident joined by ADV.

After Paoua, Bangassou, Sibut, Bambari, Bouar Amdafok, Obo, Mobaye, Alindao, Ippy ... there remain only three sensitive cities namely Bria, Kaga-Bandoro and Ndélé, controlled by the Séléka, so that the army restores its supremacy .

Security observers told ADV that the task is difficult but not impossible. "There are too many manipulations of rebel groups, who are fighting to control the natural resources for the benefit of some foreign powers, as denounced in his speech to the nation, the Central African President, on the occasion of the New Year . The CAR remains sovereign and will triumph, "said the observer.

The Central African Army, expects more than 4,000 weapons from Russia, several thousand others and equipment from China, Belgium but remains under the embargo imposed by the UN Security Council while rebels, continue to arm themselves under the helpless eye of the United Nations, which only denounces reports.

2018 was a transformational year for our Company. Royalty payments together with the resolution of the long-standing accounts payable have placed AXMIN on a strong foundation and we intend to build on this foundation in 2019. Our main focus will be to become operational in the Central African Republic (CAR) to develop the Passendro asset.

AXMIN has maintained a constant presence in country during this difficult time and enjoys an excellent relationship with the authorities in Bangui and also in Bambari. We are monitoring the security situation carefully and when security returns, we have plans in place to renew our operation. We note that the CAR arm forces (FACA) have been deployed to Bambari and are now being deployed in surrounding areas. We are informed by the authorities in Bangui that we should anticipate being operational again in the near future.

To this end, we are expanding our presence in country and will add additional senior staff to assist this process. AXMIN has been approached by several potential strategic partners to assist with the development of the asset. The Company will commence a formal process to select the strategic partner once we have clarity on timing the return to Ndassima. We have completed an online data room for this purpose. The selection criteria will favor very large well capitalized companies with mining and infrastructure construction experience in Africa. The first objective will be to complete a site survey and then commence a phased development plan with rapid production being the priority.

Going forward, AXMIN will have two distinct parts to our operation in that we anticipate having royalty income from our assets and having operational income from the CAR asset. In order to better facilitate transparency and maximize shareholder value, the Company is investigating how best to structure these two separate activities. AXMIN is taking advice in this regard and may create a separate entity for the purpose of realizing royalty income from Senegal and other potential assets that may be added.

In 2019, the Company looks forward to being more communicative with our shareholders. We have commenced a presence on social media and will be providing an updated company presentation as well. Management is looking forward to another strong year for the Company in 2019 and will keep the market updated with further press releases on each of the matters above when appropriate.

About AXMIN

AXMIN is a Canadian exploration and development company with a strong focus on the African continent. AXMIN continues to closely monitor the political situation at its Feasibility Stage Passendro Gold Project in the Central African Republic. For more information regarding AXMIN visit our website at www.axmininc.com. Please also visit us on Facebook.

Note: The UPC was the main rebel group that controlled Bambari, Ndassima and the surrounding area. That group has now been removed, thus giving the government room to move in and secure everything. Axmin's gold deposit is in Ndassima. Despite Ali Darassa escaping, he has no force to command and his funding sources are now gone.

Sunday, January 13, 2019 around 6 am, after the complete destruction of the UPC military bases, the Portuguese forces left Bambari for the village Gbokologbo , second stronghold of the UPC in Ouaka , 60 kilometers on the Alindao axis . The objective according to the Minusca , clear the rebels in all the sector close to Bambari .

Meanwhile, Rwandan soldiers from Minusca , based in the Alindao sub-prefecture , have been alerted of the next operation that will take place in the second stronghold of the UPC in Ouaka . Immediately, they spent the night from Saturday to Sunday, January 13 25 kilometers from Gbokologbo , blocking the northern exit of the rebels to Alindao .

At the same time, the Portuguese forces , which are progressing from Bambari, begin to confront the rebels of the UPC 40 kilometers from Bambarito Digui village .

As the fight progressed , the Portuguese advanced dangerously from Gbokologbo . Only 5 kilometers away, rebel leader Ali Darassa and his friend Hassa BOUBA , former advisor to President Faustin Archange TOUADERA , called for a cease-fire to negotiate.

While the Minusca poses its conditions, including the dismantling of all the barriers, as well as

the non-circulation of rebels with guns in the corner , Ali Darassa accepts all these imposed conditions.

As a good rogue, rebel leader Ali Darassa and some of his men, including Hassan Bouba quietly left the village.

As if that were not enough, some rebels came out behind the Rwandan soldiers and opened fire.

Immediately, the Portuguese and Rwandan forces entered the Gbokologbo village to drive out the rebels.

Here too, all the UPC bases were destroyed by the Minusca forces .

While rebel leader Ali Darassa and his friend Hassan BOUBA fled to the town of Ngakobo , much to everyone's surprise, Hassan BOUBA was released on Tuesday (January 15th) in Ndélé , the provincial capital of Bamingui-Bangoran . Immediately, he is summoned by gde to leave the city. Since then, he is no longer visible.

For the time being, no rebel, at least in weapon or outfit , is no longer visible in Bambari and Gbokologbo .

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th January, 2019) The Economic Community of Central African States' (ECCAS) ambassador to the Central African Republic (CAR) told Sputnik on Wednesday that he believed the CAR government and the representatives of the country's militia groups would be able to reach a peace deal during their upcoming meeting in the Sudanese capital.

A week ago, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry announced that the next round of peace talks would be held in Khartoum on January 24.

"I expect an agreement between the CAR government and the 14 armed groups invited for the dialogue ... ECCAS does support an inclusive agreement for peace in CAR," Adolphe Nahayo, who will be part of the ECCAS delegation to the meeting, said.

The Central African Republic has been marred by clashes between the predominantly Muslim armed group Seleka, the Christian Anti-balaka militia, and the government forces since 2012.

In August 2018, Seleka and the Anti-balaka militia agreed to establish a platform for consultations on sustainable peace in the African nation. The groups then also called on the government to seek help from Russia, the European Union, and other regional and international players in the reconciliation efforts.

Yaounde, 18 January 2019 (ECA) – A total of 83 leaders from the public and private sectors of the Central African Republic (CAR) have completed a three-day training to appropriate rules of origin procedures for accrediting national industrial products into the ECCAS-CEMAC Harmonized Preferential Tariff regime.

Facilitated by the Subregional Office for Central Africa of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), the training took place in Bangui as part of a series that has already benefitted local investors and administrative officials in Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, Gabon, Chad and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The series of training ultimately seeks to fully activate free trade within the ECCAS and help to operationalize the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), whose legal instruments were signed on 21 March 2018 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The trainees are expected to use the insights from the workshop to make better use of the current preferential tariff regime in place across ECCAS countries, given that current ECCAS arrangements have removed tariffs from the intraregional export-import of items that have been locally produced and transformed, yet were little known or applied on the field.

"In prelude to our exposure to the huge opportunities the continental marketplace (AfCFTA), the appropriation of the sub-regional market is a challenge that we must first tackle together as the public and private sector” said the CAR Minister of Trade and Industry – Mr. Come Hassan, who opened the training session.

“This training, which is an essential link in the chain leading us towards a free trade area, will therefore plug the knowledge gaps we face around the contours of intra-African trade,” he added.

He said it was high time the CAR worked to the extent that its “market becomes a supplier” of finished products to the Central African subregion and beyond.

For his part, Mr. Simon Fouda – Economic Affairs Officer and Representative of the Director of ECA's Subregional Office for Central Africa, called on the beneficiaries of the training to immerse themselves in the mastery procedures for benefitting from the CEEAC-CEMAC preferential tariff for local industrial products, as this will "concretely exude the benefits of the Central African Free Trade Area".

Tariff and non-tariff barriers as well as limited economic diversification and product complementarity among Central African states have contributed to the lower performance of the subregion in terms of intra-Africa trade, which stands at about 3% against the African average of 17%.

The Bangui training brings the number of persons trained to take advantage of the ECCAS-CEMAC Harmonized Preferential Tariff regime to boost intraregional trade in Central Africa to almost 400 across six countries of the subregion. Actors in the rest of the countries of the subregion will also be reached.

Funding for the activity was made possible thanks to a contribution agreement signed by the European Union (EU) and the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) for the further harmonization of ECCAS and CEMAC trade policy instruments.

Before reading the article below, keep in mind that the CAR government has already taken back a significant amount of area through it's FACA forces, with the help of the UN and Russia. The peace talks and embargo only speed things up, but Axmin announced their update without any regards to the events taking place. The company will get back on the claim either way.

The armed groups and the government are scheduled to meet in the Sudanese capital from 24 to 30 January to discuss the issues of peace in order to truly initiate the disarmament of armed groups for an end of the crisis in the Central African Republic, which is sinking into violence for several decades.

Several personalities and representatives of armed groups are invited by the African Union. Almost all armed groups have agreed to take part in these exchanges, despite the context of tensions in some cities in the interior of the country.

These so-called “last chance” talks present several issues. They come a the government launched the process of justice, something that these groups do not admit and advocate amnesty yet denounced by all.

The division of power, especially the prime minister, is part of the demands of these armed groups, who then demand a government of national unity.

This dialogue will open in a context of Western interferences following the Russian presence which made a remarkable diplomatic breakthrough for two years, after having been authorized by the UN Security Council to deliver arms to the Central African Armed Forces and to train them in handling these weapons. Also without losing sight of geopolitical and geostrategic issues.

Already, in a statement, the government invites the peace-loving Central Africans to mobilize behind the negotiating team with the firm intention of reaching a compromise with the armed groups, in the strict respect of the Constitution, the National Unity, Territorial Integrity, Secular and Republican Form of the State and Conclusions of the Bangui National Forum.

This dialogue of Khartoum, which is the first step according to the AU calendar, comes five months after the Russian initiative that brought together the 5 most influential rebel leaders of the country, who signed an agreement to guarantee the success of the African Peace Initiative.

Khartoum, Sudan (ADV) - At the end of a first day of exchange and contact between Central African rebels and the Bangui government, everything gives the impression that clashes and misfortunes will be the ills that will now befall any nobody lurking or not in the shadows who would try to destabilize the Central African Republic; the willingness of the various protagonists of the Khartoum dialogue has been shown and we can no longer manifest in the early hours of the talks prepared since 2017, under the auspices of the African Union and initiated at the end of August by the Russian Federation, always here at Khartoum.

In the sudden capital, on 25 January, the Central African armed groups said they were optimistic about the continuation of the dialogue that takes place in the presence of the organizers and all the delegations that came to support the Central African brothers in this important moment in their history, in the search for lasting peace and national reconciliation for all the children of the country ... In their words, we mean a will to make a clean sweep of the past and disputes that have lasted too long, as evidenced by these words of a political adviser of the FPRC, Abakar Salom.
Extract.

For its part, the Central African government, through its head of mission in Khartoum, Firmin Ngrebado, hailed the fact that the representatives of the armed groups are all in favor of a peace agreement to get the country out of the deadlock and security. to truly rebuild.

The government and rebel groups will therefore actively and responsibly seek this compromise, a prerequisite for the return of peace in the Central African Republic.

An episode that promises to be difficult, according to some observers, to the extent that, according to them, the main demand made by the armed groups revolves around the division of power and the request for a government of national unity.

However, it is important to note that at this stage of the exchanges, the demands of the rebel groups have already been heard by the Central African government. The government will certainly share its answers in the hours or days to come ...

Meanwhile, all the actors and organizers of these meetings welcomed the first moments of this dialogue and especially the day of 25 January 2019 behind closed doors, marked by a presentation on the origin of the conflict in Central Africa, the government statement of the Central African Mission in Khartoum and exchanges between the two sides in a question-and-answer format.

The rest of the process is certainly to come, but in Khartoum for the moment, on the future of the CAR, it is the tranquility that reigns.

The prime minister of Central African Republic led a rally of around 3,000 people on Monday calling for a global arms embargo to be lifted ahead of a UN meeting later this week.

The mineral-rich country, wracked by ethnic and religious conflict since 2013, has been subject to a UN Security Council arms and ammunition embargo for the past five years.

Speaking on a podium in Bangui's central Place des Martyrs, Prime Minister Mathieu Simplice Sarandji said: "This is a lock that deserves to be opened, this is an embargo which strikes our defence and security forces."

"The government respects the embargo while armed groups receive weapons! The people of Central African Republic can not understand this law of double standards," he said to cheers from the crowds in the capital.

The UN Security Council will on Thursday decide whether to renew the embargo, which bans weapon supplies to the country unless approved by a UN sanctions committee.

The authorities in Bangui have repeatedly called on the UN to lift the embargo.

The sanctions are aimed at ensuring imported weapons do not end up in the hands of militias in the corruption-prone country.

The committee has previously approved shipments of weapons from France and Russia but Chinese weapons deliveries have been blocked.

A UN report last year said "the recent acquisition of arms by the government has prompted factions" of militias to rearm.

Several protesters on Monday blamed UN Security Council member France for maintaining the embargo.

"We have soldiers who no longer work because of the embargo. It's because of France," said demonstrator Pierre.

"Only the army can ensure the security of CAR. We want Central African Republic to regain its sovereignty, we want the total lifting of the embargo," said another protester, Fiacre.

One of the world's poorest nations, Central African Republic has struggled to recover from a 2013 civil war that erupted when President Francois Bozize, a Christian, was overthrown by mainly Muslim Seleka rebels.

In response, Christians, who account for about 80 percent of the population, organised vigilante units dubbed "anti-Balaka" in reference to the balaka machetes used by Seleka rebels.

Thousands of people have died in the violence, 700,000 been internally displaced and another 570,000 have fled abroad.

KHARTOUM (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 28th January, 2019) Talks in Khartoum to hammer out a peace deal between the government of Central African Republic and numerous armed groups are progressing, a Sudanese observer told Sputnik on Monday.

The African Union-brokered negotiations have been on since last Thursday. They are observed by the UN, Sudan, Gabon, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, and Congo.

"The talks are going well ... The African Union has listened to them [sides] and put forth its first document with proposals for different parties," Ata Al-Mannan, a state minister with the Sudanese Foreign Ministry, said to Sputnik.

The minister said observers were sifting through the union's recommendations, which will lay the groundwork for the future arrangement between all stakeholders in Central African Republic.

The landlocked country has been suffering from a drawn-out conflict since a coup in 2013. Much of the fighting in recent years has been between Muslim-majority Seleka and Christian Anti-Balaka militias.

The government has sent a delegation of senior ministers to Khartoum, led by the president's chief of staff, Firmin Ngrebada. Delegates from 14 armed militias are attending, as are religious leaders, human rights advocates and other civil society figures.

The United Nations Security Council is set to open the door to an easing of the arms embargo on the Central African Republic, five years after the country stood on the verge of genocide.

The government has repeatedly called for the restrictions to be lifted to allow arms supplies to shore up its security forces fighting militias that control much of the country. Prime Minister Mathieu Simplice Sarandji led a rally of around 3,000 people on Monday calling for the arms embargo to be lifted.

The Security Council will vote on Thursday on a French-drafted resolution that calls for a review of the arms embargo by September if the Bangui government meets benchmarks in managing weapons, disarming militias and reforming its security sector, according to the text seen by AFP on Wednesday, January 30.

The draft resolution would renew the embargo until January 2020 but open the door to a partial lifting that would allow the government to purchase weapons without seeking approval from the U.N. sanctions committee.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will submit a report by the end of July on whether the government has met the benchmarks after CAR presents its own findings by June 30.

Diplomats said Wednesday they expect the measure to be adopted.

“We think it’s a good idea to have a review of the embargo,” Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told AFP.

Russia has stepped up its presence in the Central African Republic, training troops, brokering peace talks with militias, and providing security and advice to President Faustin-Archange Touadera, sparking tensions with France, the former colonial power.

In August, Russia signed a military cooperation agreement with CAR offering the possibility for Central African officers and NCOs to be trained in Russian military schools.

The European Union also trains Central African military personnel. In July, the bloc extended EUTM-RCA until 2020, pledging €25 million ($29 million) to help reform the country’s defense sector. The scope of the mission was also modified to give strategic advice to the president’s cabinet, interior ministry and police, as well as the military.

The U.N. sanctions committee has previously approved shipments of weapons. In December, France handed over 1,400 AK-47 assault rifles and three amphibious vehicles to the Central African Republic to shore up its beleaguered armed forces, and in 2017, the embargo was lifted to allow delivery of 1,700 Russian weapons for FACa.

France, Belgium, China and the U.S. have all recently supplied equipment for CAR’s military, but that equipment is understood not to include weaponry.

In June, France, the U.S. and the United Kingdom put a hold on a request from Central African Republic for U.N. Security Council approval of weapons shipments from China.

Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, the outgoing U.N. special envoy to the CAR, said in September that the need for weapons was “undeniable” as the Central African Republic government builds its armed forces, but urged transparency in the flow of arms.

“China, but also the United States, have proposed new quantities of weapons,” Onanga-Anyanga said. “It’s for a good reason.”

Russia’s Ambassador to CAR Sergey Lebanov said earlier in September that a second shipment of Russian arms and ammunition was “in preparation,” and would be delivered once approved by the Security Council.

Averting genocide
The U.N. arms embargo was imposed in 2013 when the country descended into violence after President Francois Bozize, a Christian, was overthrown by mainly Muslim Seleka rebels.

At the height of the bloodshed in 2013, France warned that the country was on the verge of a genocide with reports of atrocities committed by roaming militias.

In 2017, a similar warning came from then-U.N. aid chief Stephen O’Brien.

The vote at the council comes as the latest round of peace talks between the government and armed militias stumbled in Khartoum over demands for an amnesty for rebels.

It is the the eighth bid in six years to agree a lasting peace. The last attempt, in 2017, was forged with the help of the Catholic Church, but fighting resumed within a day, leaving 100 dead.

The Sudan-hosted talks which opened last week are expected to continue for up to three weeks.

The draft resolution also renews the mandate of a panel of experts who reported to the council last month that fighters of the former Seleka alliance had received fresh weapons supplies from traffickers in Sudan.

The militia groups are re-arming to counter the deployment of the newly trained and equipped government troops to their areas of influence, the panel’s report said.

Fighting broke out between the Seleka, a coalition of mainly Muslim rebel groups, and the mainly Christian anti-balaka militia in 2012. A peace deal was singed in January 2013, but Seleka rebels captured the capital Bangui that March and ousted President Francois Bozize.

Seleka was officially disbanded within months, but many fighters refused to disarm, becoming known as ex-Seleka. Many others joined the anti-balaka militia to fight the Seleka, leading to a spiral of violence between groups along religious and ethnic lines.

By the end of 2014, CAR was de facto partitioned – anti-balaka in the southwest and ex-Seleka in the northeast.

Elected in 2016, Touadera’s weak government controls around a fifth of the country and relies heavily on the U.N. peacekeeping mission, Minusca, for support. The rest is controlled by at least 14 different militia groups who often fight each other for revenue from extortion, roadblocks or mineral resources.

Violence since 2012 led to thousands of deaths. Nearly 700,000 people are displaced, 570,000 have fled the country and 2.9 million – 63 percent of the population – are in need of humanitarian aid, according to the U.N.

The President of the Republic, His Excellency Faustin Archange Touadera received in audience early in the afternoon of January 29, 2019, His Excellency Chen Dong, Ambassador Extraordinary and Penitentiary of the People's Republic of China near the Central African Republic.

The strengthening of bilateral cooperation between China and the Central African Republic was at the center of this meeting.
Returning from China, His Excellency Chen Dong is carrying a message from the Chinese Government to His Excellency Faustin Archange Touadera.
For the Chinese diplomat, this meeting with President Touadera made it possible to take stock of the various activities carried out in the Central African Republic in the framework of bilateral cooperation for the year 2018 as well as the projects on the agenda of the year 2019.

The Chinese diplomat Chen Dong also said that during the China-Africa summit in Beijing, President Touadera has sought multiform support of China. These supports, he says, concern the education, agriculture and security sector. This meeting with President Touadera was an opportunity to plan the implementation of these various projects during this year.

Keep in mind that every area in Sounkounku and Bransan Lot-B has a 1.5% NSR for AXM. If you look at the 2017 43-101, there has been around 80,000m total of drilling, along with bulk sampling and work done on all the targets, more so on the stuff close to Gora.

Targets 7,11,13,19,52 are all within 5km of Gora and with the infrastructure already there, makes sense to put them into production.

Central African Republic, rebel groups initial a peace deal
Central African Republic, 14 rebel groups initial a peace deal after 5 years of fighting
By
The Associated Press
CAIRO — 2h ago
Central African Republic's government has initialed a peace deal with 14 armed groups following more than a week of talks in Sudan's capital.

President Faustin Archange Touadera is attending Tuesday's ceremony in Khartoum along with his Sudanese counterpart, Omar al-Bashir, and a representative of the African Union.

The agreement represents rare hope for the impoverished, landlocked nation where religious and communal fighting has continued since 2013. Thousands of people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced.

Details of the peace deal have not been announced, but Sudan's state media have reported that it focuses on power-sharing and transitional justice.

The United Nations has warned that the fighting in Central African Republic has carried a high risk of genocide. Scores of mosques have been burned. Religious leaders have been killed.

Russia to Monitor Implementation of Peace Deal in CAR - Ex-Seleka Leader
Noureddine Adam, leader of a faction from the former Seleka - the Popular Front for the Renaissance of the Central African Republic (FPRC) - told Sputnik Tuesday that Russia would monitor the implementation of the peace deal between the Central African Republic's (CAR) authorities and armed groups
KHARTOUM (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th February, 2019) Noureddine Adam, leader of a faction from the former Seleka - the Popular Front for the Renaissance of the Central African Republic (FPRC) - told Sputnik Tuesday that Russia would monitor the implementation of the peace deal between the Central African Republic's (CAR) authorities and armed groups.

The CAR president and armed groups earlier in the day initialed the peace deal between government representatives and 14 armed groups at talks in Khartoum.

"Russia will monitor the implementation of the agreement and will support the agreement's guarantor states," Adam said.

He said the agreement included the formation of a united army and security forces.

For those looking for reliable up to date information about the CAR government, projects, info, etc, have a look at www.gouv.cf. It's in French, so you'll have to translate it via Chrome auto translate(or whatever browse you use) but there are tons and tons of projects going on that we don't even know about. Many of them are based around Chinese deals which bodes well for Axmin since we are majority Chinese owned. Below are some recent examples:

BANGUI, Central African Republic (AP) — An agreement signed by Central African Republic and 14 rebel groups earlier this week will see the dissolution of armed groups, the formation of an inclusive government and the creation of a fund for victims who have suffered in years of conflict, according to the accord seen Friday.

The deal signed Wednesday is the eighth since the fighting began in 2013 but the first to emerge from direct dialogue. The 30-page peace pact, negotiated in Sudan and titled the Political Accord for Peace and Reconciliation, evokes four main points: victims, justice, peace and national reconciliation.

The agreement says that armed groups will undertake to respect the legitimacy of the country’s institutions, and to renounce the use of arms and violence against the defense and security forces, U.N. personnel and humanitarian workers.

They also agree to refrain from any act of destruction, occupation of public buildings, place of worship and violence against the civilian population, as well as acts of sexual or gender-based violence.

In exchange, armed groups are able to create political parties.

The government, meanwhile, will monitor the agreement and analyze the reintegration of the leaders of armed groups who formerly served as civil servants or military.

The government is also committed to set up a Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission within 90 days, cutting short the idea of amnesty long negotiated by armed group leaders.

The signatories also undertake to set up mixed security units that will include elements of the defense and security forces as well as ex-combatants after training.

This means that armed groups will dissolve their movement and help facilitate the return of the authority of the state and to participate in disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation within two months.

Armed groups currently control around 80 percent of Central African Republic, and President Faustin Archange Touadera, in power since 2016, has struggled to stabilize the country as armed groups compete over lands rich in gold, diamonds and uranium.

The major conflict in Central African Republic began in 2013 when predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power in Bangui. Largely Christian anti-Balaka militias fought back. Rebels continue to carry out deadly attacks on displaced people’s camps and other communities.

The African Union, which oversaw the negotiations that began on Jan. 24 in Khartoum, has expressed optimism about the agreement.

The original 43-101 from 2011 was added back to Axmin's website this week, along with a post from their Facebook page which reads:

We have been asked to provide the original NI 43-101 study that was done so we provide the link here. Please note that this may change as when we get back on site, we will conduct a site survey and as per our January press release will most probably take a phased approach with a strategic partner to bring the CAR asset into rapid production, subject to and with the approval of the duly elected government of the CAR. http://axmininc.com/Presentations.php﻿

OnSaturday February 2, 2019 the Government of the CAR announced on social media that an agreement for peace had been made at the talks taking place in Khartoum. The Government stated that the agreement would be initialed on Sunday February 3, 2019 and thereafter it was signed in Bangui onFebruary 6th.

The agreement comes after discussions that were facilitated in Khartoum by the African Union and the Untied Nations with assistance from Russia. The key points of this agreement are:
An immediate cessation of violence by the armed groups against defense and security forces, UN personnel, humanitarian workers and the general population.
The armed groups will respect the legitimacy of the CAR's institutions and will disband.
The Government will analyse the reintegration of the leaders of the armed groups who previously served as civil servants or in the military.
The Government will set up a Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission within 90 days.
The parties to the agreement will undertake to set up mixed security units that will include both the defense and security forces as well as former members of the armed groups.
A Prime Minister will be appointed drawn from a representative of the former armed groups.
The former armed groups will have the right to start political parties without hindrance.
Ambassador Smail Chergui, the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security stated on social media:

… I am humbled to announce that with the exemplary cooperation I received from both the Government of the CAR(@GouvCF) and the 14 armed groups, we have secured a#peaceagreementtodayin the interest of the people of#CAR.

Separately onThursday January 31, 2019 the United Nations Security Council voted unanimously on a resolution drafted by France that provides for a road map to lift the arms embargo on the CAR. This resolution states that the Council will establish requisite benchmarks byApril 30, 2019 and will assess progress on these benchmarks byJuly 31, 2019. The Council will then review the arms embargo measures bySeptember 30,2019.

The resolution welcomes 'the significant efforts made by the CAR authorities' to advance security sector reform, including by developing a national defense plan and national security policy. This resolution acknowledged 'the urgent need for the CAR authorities to train and equip their defense and security forces to be able to respond proportionately to threats to the security of all citizens in the CAR.' The Council stated that it had granted several exemptions to allow shipments of weapons from France, Russia, China, the United States and Belgium for the CAR's army.

AXMIN's Chairman and CEO Lucy Yan stated:

AXMIN is delighted to hear that a peace agreement has been reached in Khartoum and hope that this agreement will be honored and bring security and stability to the CAR. The Company believes that the combination of the agreement together with the eventual lifting of the arms embargo should provide both the framework for stability and also the effective method of enforcement by equipping and deploying the military forces of the Government of the CAR. We look forward to being back on site and working on developing the Passendro asset as soon as conditions allow in the near future.

A further press release regarding the security situation in Ndassima, the location of the Company's Passendro asset, will be made when appropriate to do so.

About AXMIN

AXMIN is a Canadian exploration and development company with a strong focus on the African continent. AXMIN continues to closely monitor the political situation at its Passendro Gold Project in the Central African Republic. For more information regarding AXMIN visit our website atwww.axmininc.com. Please also follow us on Facebook.https://www.facebook.com/axmininc

(Business in Cameroon) - Timber export conditions at the port of Douala, Cameroon’s economic capital, have been improving since the beginning of the year, the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) noted.

However, despite this upturn which is the result of a slowdown in Chinese demand, ITTO said, some timber exporters now ship cargoes through the deep-water port of Kribi, commissioned in March 2018 in the southern region.

In a memo covering the period Feb.1-15, 2019, ITTO revealed that despite the improvement situation at the port of Douala, “exporters of sawn timber and logs to the Central African Republic shipped their cargoes through the port of Kribi”.

“It is logical that part of the traffic from the port of Douala should be redirected to the port of Kribi. This will allow to ease traffic,” Patrice Melom, MD of the autonomous port of Kribi (PAK), said at the end of a seminar held April 19-20, 2018 with players of the timber sector to discuss ways to carry out export activities within the Kribi port platform.

Wood exports at the Kibri port are carried out by Kribi Containers Terminal (KCT), a company controlled by the Franco-Chinese consortium Bolloré-CHEC-CMA CGM in partnership with the Chinese shipowner Cosco.

In the article on why pennies should be included in your portfolio , we have mentioned that junior mining companies are a very important category, although most of the junior mining companies’ stocks are in a state of low trading and price all the year round, but grasp At several specific points in time, investing in junior mining companies can still quickly achieve ultra-high returns, which is unmatched by other types of stocks.

In the current trend of resource market, many companies are expected to rise, especially as gold prices are optimistic, gold mining stocks are worth looking forward to.

AXMIN is principally engaged in the exploration and development of gold projects located in Africa. In fact, in the past 2018, the company's share price has been launched from the bottom, and the stock price has nearly doubled in the whole year. That is to say, if an investor holds AXMIN stock in early 2018, its assets have been turned over. Ten times, this is an impossible income for ordinary stock investment.

Moreover, all of this happened when the company's news was relatively calm, indicating that the source of the increase was not the company's public relations hype, but the changes in the relevant environment and the improvement of the company's own cash flow.

In the interview, David Weill, the company's chief financial officer, mentioned three main factors driving the stock price increase: First, benefit from the flow of royalties generated by the company's Gora deposit jointly developed by Teranga Gold (TSX:TGZ) in Senegal, the company's The cash flow is excellent and the profit of the accounting accounts is realized. The company also has 17 potential deposits developed with Teranga that are expected to generate more revenue for the company.

The second factor is that the geopolitical situation in the Central African Republic is improving. AXMIN's main asset is the Passendro Gold Project, located in the Central African Republic, where AXMIN acquired a 25-year mining permit area (355 square kilometers) in August 2010. At the same time, the company also obtained two three-year, renewable exploration licenses: Bambari 1 and 2 (1,240 square kilometers), which surround the mining permit area and cover a 90-kilometer trend along the vast expanse of the Bambari Greenstone Belt. With ..... [unfinished]

In the article on why pennies should be included in your portfolio , we have mentioned that junior mining companies are a very important category, although most of the junior mining companies’ stocks are in a state of low trading and price all the year round, but grasp At several specific points in time, investing in junior mining companies can still quickly achieve ultra-high returns, which is unmatched by other types of stocks.

In the current trend of resource market, many companies are expected to rise, especially as gold prices are optimistic, gold mining stocks are worth looking forward to.

AXMIN(TSXV:AXM) Axmin Jan 22 - Feb 19, 2019
AXMIN is principally engaged in the exploration and development of gold projects located in Africa. In fact, in the past 2018, the company's share price has been launched from the bottom, and the stock price has nearly doubled in the whole year. That is to say, if an investor holds AXMIN stock in early 2018, its assets have been turned over. Ten times, this is an impossible income for ordinary stock investment.

Moreover, all of this happened when the company's news was relatively calm, indicating that the source of the increase was not the company's public relations hype, but the changes in the relevant environment and the improvement of the company's own cash flow.

In the interview, David Weill, the company's chief financial officer, mentioned three main factors driving the stock price increase: First, benefit from the flow of royalties generated by the company's Gora deposit jointly developed by Teranga Gold (TSX:TGZ) in Senegal, the company's The cash flow is excellent and the profit of the accounting accounts is realized. The company also has 17 potential deposits developed with Teranga that are expected to generate more revenue for the company.

The second factor is that the geopolitical situation in the Central African Republic is improving. AXMIN's main asset is the Passendro Gold Project, located in the Central African Republic, where AXMIN acquired a 25-year mining permit area (355 square kilometers) in August 2010. At the same time, the company also obtained two three-year, renewable exploration licenses: Bambari 1 and 2 (1,240 square kilometers), which surround the mining permit area and cover a 90-kilometer trend along the vast expanse of the Bambari Greenstone Belt. band.

However, the Central African Republic has been in a state of turmoil for many years and the conflict between local armed groups has directly led to the stagnation of AXMIN’s project development. Recently, under the mediation of the international community, the security situation in the Central African Republic has improved. On February 6, 2019, the Central African Republic government and 14 armed groups in the country officially signed a peace agreement at the presidential palace in the capital, Bangui, meaning that the situation in the region has begun to stabilize, and the exploration and mining of AXMIN projects is expected to proceed smoothly. Become the main driving force for the company's stock price to rise rapidly.

The third major factor driving the rise in stock prices is that the company is cleaning up its balance sheet and its current financial position is optimistic. In 2008, Teranga invested US$6 million in exploration expenses and acquired an 80% interest in several exploration licenses in Senegal. AXMIN retained 20% of the project. In February 2012, AXMIN and Teranga revised the joint venture agreement. Under the new agreement, AXMIN chose to hold 1.5% of the net smelting rights of the Gora deposit. Since August 2015, AXMIN has received 1.5% net smelting royalties from the Gora deposit.

In the future, AXMIN will focus on projects in the Central African Republic and hand over several minerals in Senegal to Teranga for joint development. The company only charges a premium of 1.5% of total revenue. The success of the Gora deposit provided financial security for the development of Passondro assets by AXMIN, and the signing of the Central African Republic peace agreement further became a catalyst for AXMIN stock movements.

According to AXMIN's plan, the company will increase communication with investors in 2019, actively establish relationships with relevant government agencies, expand its influence in the Central African Republic, and strive to find strategic partners with strong capital and rich mining experience. Develop Passersono assets and fully enter the active business period.

The trend of the AXMIN compound once again verified several key points of the investment in the pennies of the junior mining companies : the holding of the asset development environment; the emergence of positive cash flow and increased expectations; the market holding mineral products is on the rise. As a gold mineral exploration company, AXMIN is a three-time all-in-one, so it has become the super darling of the market.

TGZ numbers are out. I estimated they would be getting around $300k for the quarter. Teranga still owes around $600-700K in payments which will likely paid over the next two quarters. Given Axmin's strict costs, the company should earn around $140-150K USD net profit for Q4 2018 and over $1 million USD for 2019. Again we are waiting for CAR to get going, but Senegal is a nice added bonus in the meantime. Plus we could be working on new targets right now given that Gora mining is completed and there are advanced stage targets within 1-3km's.

TGZ Year End - Feb 2019
AXM Year End - Apr 2019 (Books will be cleaned as per October 2018)

TGZ Q1 2019 - Apr 2019
AXM Q1 2019 - May 2019

TGZ Q2 2019 - Jul 2019
AXM Q2 2019 - Aug 2019

Another note, for any new possible targets on the 337km2 lease, Axmin still owns a 20% interest. However the 17 targets currently identified, the company has a 1.5% NSR.

From page 36 of TGZ year end results:

The joint venture partner of the exploration permit has elected a 1.5 percent net smelter royalty on all currently identified targets within the original Sounkounkou permit and including the Gora project in exchange for its fully participatory 20 percent interest. The joint venture partner retains a 20 percent participatory right for any new exploration targets identified or to elect the royalty.

KHARTOUM (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 24th February, 2019) The government of the Central African Republic (CAR) and armed formations, which have recently signed a peace deal to end the armed conflict in the country, have pledged to refrain from recruiting people, in particular minors and foreigners, into armed formations, according to the text of the agreement seen by Sputnik on Sunday.

"The parties reaffirm their commitments to ... immediately put an end to all forms of recruitment, including that of children and foreigners, into armed groups," the text said.

The parties also agreed to give up illegal exploitation of natural resources and illicit traffic of arms and munitions, and committed to not hindering the free circulation of people and goods and the deliveries of humanitarian aid.

The long-sought peace accord was signed in the CAR capital of Bangui in early February.

AXMIN
AXMIN made this list last week, when its shares rose to C$0.36 in the same week the government of the Central African Republic (CAR) announced peace deals with a medley of rebel groups.

AXMIN, a gold developer and explorer, is focused on its Pessendro project which is in the CAR.

The company was up again this week, though with no new news from the company (its last news was from January) — so stock markets seem to believe the peace deals will hold.

On the TSXV AXMIN was up to C$0.45 — a gain of another 55.17 percent.

Note: Not sure what the editor is saying about news. There was a release in January and in February as per newswire. From February:

Axmin pleased with CAR's peace agreement

2019-02-12 05:50 MT - News Release

Ms. Lucy Yan reports

THE GOVERNMENT OF THE CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC (CAR) ANNOUNCES A PEACE AGREEMENT WITH ARMED GROUPS

Axmin Inc. notes the following news release.

On Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, the government of the CAR announced on social media that an agreement for peace had been made at the talks taking place in Khartoum. The government stated that the agreement would be initialled on Sunday, Feb. 3, 2019, and thereafter it was signed in Bangui on Feb. 6.

The agreement comes after discussions that were facilitated in Khartoum by the African Union and the United Nations with assistance from Russia. The key points of this agreement are:

An immediate cessation of violence by the armed groups against defence and security forces, UN personnel, humanitarian workers and the general population;
The armed groups will respect the legitimacy of the CAR's institutions and will disband;
The government will analyze the reintegration of the leaders of the armed groups who previously served as civil servants or in the military;
The government will set up a truth, justice, reparation and reconciliation commission within 90 days;
The parties to the agreement will undertake to set up mixed security units that will include both the defence and security forces as well as former members of the armed groups;
A Prime Minister will be appointed drawn from a representative of the former armed groups;
The former armed groups will have the right to start political parties without hindrance.

Ambassador Smail Chergui, the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security, stated on social media:

"I am humbled to announce that with the exemplary co-operation I received from both the government of the CAR(@GouvCF) and the 14 armed groups, we have secured a #peace agreement today in the interest of the people of #CAR."

Separately on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, the United Nations Security Council voted unanimously on a resolution drafted by France that provides for a road map to lift the arms embargo on the CAR. This resolution states that the council will establish requisite benchmarks by April 30, ,2019 and will assess progress on these benchmarks by July 31, 2019. The council will then review the arms embargo measures by Sept. 30, 2019.

The resolution welcomes "the significant efforts made by the CAR authorities" to advance security sector reform, including by developing a national defence plan and national security policy. This resolution acknowledged "the urgent need for the CAR authorities to train and equip their defence and security forces to be able to respond proportionately to threats to the security of all citizens in the CAR." The council stated that it had granted several exemptions to allow shipments of weapons from France, Russia, China, the United States and Belgium for the CAR army.

Axmin's chairman and chief executive officer Lucy Yan stated:

"Axmin is delighted to hear that a peace agreement has been reached in Khartoum and hope that this agreement will be honoured and bring security and stability to the CAR. The company believes that the combination of the agreement together with the eventual lifting of the arms embargo should provide both the framework for stability and also the effective method of enforcement by equipping and deploying the military forces of the government of the CAR. We look forward to being back on site and working on developing the Passendro asset as soon as conditions allow in the near future."

A further press release regarding the security situation in Ndassima, the location of the company's Passendro asset, will be made when appropriate to do so.

About Axmin Inc.

Axmin is a Canadian exploration and development company with a strong focus on the African continent. Axmin continues to closely monitor the political situation at its Passendro gold project in the Central African Republic.

Axmin Inc. is a Canadian company operating in the gold sector in the Central African Republic for an industrial mine.
•
Gold exploration and exploitation object

• Legal basis
Convention signed on 27/01/2006 with the Central African State for a period of 25 years.
License to mine the Passendro Gold Mine: Somio Toungou (357km²) awarded by Decree No. 10.231 of August 05, 2010.
Research Permit: Bambari 1 & 2 (913km²) awarded by Decree No. 10.233 of August 07, 2010, of which objective is to increase the resources and extend the duration of mine operation.

• Location: Prefecture of OUAKA (Bambari)

• Work done
Somio Toungou - Feasibility studies completed but need for a re-evaluation of the resources at the restart of the project.
Aurafrique: geophysics, drilling research (DD, RC, etc.)

• Current situation
After a suspension of activities since the year 2012 for reasons of "Force Majeure" Axmin Inc. - RCA has brought together all administrative conditions for the resumption of its activities.
She is currently waiting for deployment.

NEWSROOM (ADV) – In accordance with the commitments made on February 6 by the Central African authorities and the main rebel groups, President Faustin Archange Touadéra on Monday (February 25th) appointed a new Prime Minister, Firmin Ngrebada. The task of the new head of government is delicate. He needs to form an inclusive government without delay.

The Political Bureau of the Popular Front for the Renaissance of the Central African Republic (FPRC) and the National Coordination of the Anti-Balaka Patriot Movement, in a joint statement obtained by ADV, welcomed the appointment of Mr. Firming Ngrenada and at the same time renewed their commitment to peace under the leadership of the President of the Republic, Mr. Faustin Archange Touadera.

The signatories of this declaration, Noureidine Adam and Maxime Mokom, on behalf of their movements, thank the President for this move which goes hand in hand with the commitments of the concluded Khartoum agreement.

The FPRC and the Anti-Balaka wish to see the new Prime Minister continue in this positive dynamic.

Maxime Mokom, leader of the armed anti-balaka group has become Minister for Disarmament, De-mobilization, Re-integration and Repatriation. Souleymane Daouda, Spokesperson for the armed group, Unity for Peace in the Central African Republic is now Minister for Livestock.

Hamza Guismala, right-hand man of Noureddine Adam, leader of the armed group, Popular Front for the Renaissance of the country, is now in charge of the Development of Energy and Hydraulic Resources Ministry.

The Patriotic Movement for the Central African Republic has one of its important members, Adama Chaibou, as Minister for Modernization.

Bertin Béa, Secretary General of Kwa Na Kwa, party of former president François Bozizé, exiled in Uganda, has been appointed Minister for Public Service.

On February 6, an agreement was reached after weeks of negotiations in Khartoum, Sudan. The formation of this new government comes after the appointment of Firmin Ngrebada as Prime Minister.

The Central African Republic is struggling to recover from the conflict it has been entangled since 2013.

So far eight agreements have been signed by warring parties to try to bring the country out of the chaos.

Bangui, Central African Republic, 4 March 2018 - Following the "Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic" finalized in Khartoum and signed on 6 February by the Government of the Central African Republic and 14 armed groups, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) officially announced the opening of a project office in Bangui.

The announcement was made by the UNODC Regional Representative for West and Central Africa, Pierre Lapaque, during a visit to the Central African Republic from 19 to 22 February. He said that "urgent action is needed to maintain the momentum created by the recently concluded peace agreement" because "we cannot build a State and a nation without effective, transparent and accessible justice for all."

The UNODC office in Bangui opened in June 2018 following the signing of an agreement with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). This partnership between UNODC and MINUSCA aims to support the operationalization of the Special Criminal Court (SCC) in the Central African Republic.

The SCC was established by law in 2015 as a national court to judge cases of serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian law committed in the Central African Republic territory since 1 January 2003. In this context, UNODC's mandate is more specifically to assist the SCC in the development of its legal aid and victim and witness protection services.

UNODC provided input to the development of legal and regulatory instruments on both victim and witness protection as well as legal aid that have been successfully adopted. These include the Loi portant Règlement de Procédure et de Preuves (May 2018), the SCC Règlement interieur (October 2018), and the Arrete portant organisation et fonctionnement de l'Organe paritaire chargé de l'admission des candidats au Corps special d'avocats près la Cour penale spéciale (December 2018).

During his visit to the Central African Republic, the UNODC Regional Representative also met with national authorities interested in UNODC'S mandate, including the Prime Minister, and ministers of the Interior, Justice, Mines and Water and Forestry. These exchanges show a strong political will to collaborate with UNODC to combat serious crimes such as corruption, trafficking in natural resources, firearms, money-laundering, among others, that hinder peace, stability and development in the country.

The opening of the project office in the Central African Republic and UNODC's various activities in the country contribute to the development of a Regional Strategy that UNODC aims to implement in Central Africa to better respond to the interconnected challenges posed by transnational organized crime on the African continent.

It also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 16 on promoting peace, justice and transparent and effective institutions.

ope Francis on Tuesday afternoon received in private audience, the president of the Central African Republic, Mr. Faustin Archange Touadéra.
By Godfrey Kampamba

During their encounter, the Holy Father and Mr. Touadera focused their discussion on the existing good bilateral relations between the Holy See and the Central African Republic. Apart from looking at issues regarding the current situation in the country, the two leaders also expressed their satisfaction about the ratification of the Framework Agreement between the two states, underscoring the importance of the contribution of the Catholic Church in the construction of the Central African Republic, and acknowledged the role of Catholic institutions in the fields of education and healthcare.

The meeting between the pope and Mr. Touadera came just two days after the inauguration of the Bangui Pediatric Hospital, constructed with the sponsorship of Pope Francis, for which president Touadera expressed his and the gratitude of the people of his country.

Ratification of Framework Agreement between Holy See and CAR
Soon after his meeting with the pope, Mr. Touadera went on to meet with the secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by the Secretary for Relations with States, Archbishop Paul Gallagher. During this occasion, the secretary of State gave President Touadera the Instrument of the Ratification of the Framework Agreement between the Holy See and the Central African Republic. The Framework Agreement was signed on 6 September 2016 in Bangui and concerns matters of mutual interest. A communique from the Vatican later on Tuesday announced the entry into force of the Framework agreement.

Meeting with St. Egidio Community
From the Vatican, the central African Republican president visited the Sant’Egidio Community in Rome, where he was received by the founder, Prof. Andrea Riccardi, and other leaders of the Community.I have come here because this is a house of peace that has come to mean a lot for my country, said president Touadera, underlining the strong links of friendship that have united the Central African Republic and the Sant'Egidio Community, even in the darkest hours of the country.

Touadera also expressed his gratitude for the work of the Sant’Egidio Community in the cure of HIV and AIDS through a programme known as DREAM, and through which a centre has been opened to take care of the sick.

The Minister of Mines and Geology met the actors of the mining sector of Bozoum at the hotel of the said city. This meeting brought together the Minister, the members of the cabinet of the Ministry of Mines and Geology, the Honorable Members of the constituencies of Bozoum 1 and 2, the representative of the Chinese Society operating in the area and the artisanal miners.

This meeting gave the opportunity to the President of the Cooperative Minière de Bozoum to present in a brief way the difficulties of the mining artisans, his intervention was completed by his peers and followed by that of the deputies of Bozoum who presented the needs that they experience in the sector and their wish for a better collaboration.

Without passion, all the concerns raised were debated, the minister having brought in his staff, each in his field, to answer the questions that concern him. The Minister concluded the interventions by informing the co-operatives that all their concerns have been taken into account in a set of specifications that the Ministry has signed with the Corporation. Insisting on compliance with the terms of reference by the company, he announced the establishment in the near future of a tripartite monitoring committee (Ministry of Mines, Chinese society and representative of the population). A family photo has closed meeting to the satisfaction of all.

BANGUI – The United States Embassy in Bangui announces the launch of an additional $3.5 million in security assistance training programs for the Central African Armed Forces (FACA). These funds for the Central African Republic (CAR) represent the next phase in the United States’ $12 million in funding to reform and redeploy the FACA.

“This tranche of equipment and training continues our investment in CAR’s security, and demonstrates our commitment to helping build a peaceful and prosperous Central African Republic. This will combine with the efforts of the government of and people of CAR to move forward on a path to peace and prosperity. This comes at a particularly important time as we are all working together to ensure effective implementation of the recently signed Khartoum accords,” Ambassador Lucy Tamlyn commented regarding the news.

The funding will provide comprehensive logistics, operations, and management training to the FACA to help maintain and grow Camp Kassai. It will also train FACA in valuable trade skills, including electrical repair, masonry, welding, plumbing, carpentry, and general mechanics. These skills will enable the FACA to maintain their own facilities, and repair their own equipment.

The UN Security Council Sanctions committee is aware of all U.S. training and equipment in full accordance with the arms embargo. The United States remains committed to abiding by the internationally approved sanctions process.

Since 2015, the United States has provided over $500 million to CAR, including $100 million in humanitarian assistance in 2018-2019 and $65 million in support to the justice, internal security, and military sectors.

The US Embassy in Bangui looks forward to continued close work with our partners in the CAR Government, in particular the Ministry of Defense, to build and strengthen a professional military force capable of responding to CAR’s security challenges.

Bangui, CAR will host the next International Economic Forum April 24th to 25th 2019. This is a big deal because 500 people from around the world are expected to attend, including major investment groups. Not only that, it shows the world that CAR is getting safer, more stable, and can bring new investment to help it grow.

Central African Republic: Health takes pride of place at the 17th International Economic Forum

The International Chamber for the Counseling and Promotion of Enterprises (CICP) organizes under the very high Patronage of HE Faustin Archange TOUADERA, President of the Republic, Head of State, Central African Republic, the 17th International Multi-sectoral Economic Forum which will take place on April 24 & 25, 2019 in Bangui. The health sector is supported by the French Digital Medical Club & Health Innovation 4 round tables on topics in line with the needs of Central Africa are on the agenda: Stroke : prevention and improvement of care. This is a serious pathology since 30% of stroke victims die during the first month and among the 70% who return home, more than 80% have sequelae with physical, neuro-psychological, family or professional consequences often heavy. In this context, it is essential to train the population in the prevention of chronic diseases and stroke, but also to modernize the care pathways. Feedback from experience (Senegal). How to scale up care in Africa? False medicine : from the struggle to solutions Fake drugs are a major public health issue worldwide, accounting for 10% of drugs in circulation, up to 30% in Africa or Latin America. There are an estimated 700,000 annual deaths from this traffic. In this context, the MEDICRIM convention, the first international instrument of penal law, is struggling to implement. What legislative developments to expect? What international mobilization for safety rules and shared action plans? What role do manufacturers play? All these questions will make it possible to take stock of the current situation and to set the prospects for a coordinated and effective partnership action. Health and digital : Africa, laboratory of the future The International Conference of Ministers of Health and New Technologies in Africa (CIMSA) last June has identified the need for a joint strategy of the two ministries to advance effectively in the territories. Africa's technological innovation is growing rapidly but needs financing and governance regulation, which CIMSA has also endorsed. How can digital health help the continent move from an era of humanitarian aid to that of a health democracy? What interactions are to be put in place between North and South to accelerate its development? New conceptions of hospitals and health facilities , between efficiency and modularity Health innovation is often seen as synonymous with new technological tools that are ever more efficient and more expensive. However, if the added value of the latter is not demonstrated by the medical progress made in recent decades in rich countries, new forms of innovation are emerging. The requirements related to health needs, to the constraints of the territories and to the control of the expenses led all the actors to question on the relevance of the medical projects to be put in place for a most relevant and least expensive offer of care possible. Thus, the scarcity of resources in some countries, particularly in Africa, has become a true source of innovation, responding to a logic of how to do more with less. This "frugal" approach, which is essentially pragmatic, is at the origin of the most creative care solutions. Design of care structures adapted to patients and caregivers, organization of these, optimized management, training of health actors, The sharing of various experiences will consolidate the objectives pursued in terms of the efficiency of the healthcare solutions envisaged, which are increasingly rooted in local realities. On the agenda of this 17th Forum, conferences on health and e-health in Africa , the different interactions to be set up between North-South and South-South, to accelerate the development of the sub-region, but also a great conference on the future of digital health by 2030. All of this work is needed in the sub-region because each subject proposed represents a need on the spot. The CMNFIS www.clubmedicalnumerique.org , more than 450 members in the French speaking territories to sensitize, train and animate the health actors to the digital transformation through a dozen events per year, dealing with medical innovation and digital, training for health professionals and institutions in driving change, co-structuring of a living-lab on autonomy and accessibility, assistance with the assembly of Adrenaline, an international incubator-accelerator specialized in lifelong prevention and digital health. The CMNFIS is finally a Think & Do Tank, with the structuring and assembly of collaborative projects: mobile teams, sleep, rehabilitation of walking disorders, mobile health for landlocked territories ... It is expected about 500 participants in this forum (Investors - Policies - NGOs - Industrial - Entrepreneurs) Program - Congress Registration - Press Accreditations: http://www.cicpgroup.com Partnerships - Exhibitors - Institutional: +33 (0) 645 630 995 jean.michel.decret@gmail.com

Central African Republic: Return of displaced people observed in several cities after Khartoum peace agreement

Bangui, Central African Republic, (ADV) - Several IDPs and refugees have been returning to their respective areas since February, following the lull after the peace agreement signed between the government and the country's armed groups.

Just one month after the signing of the peace agreement between the government and the 14 armed groups in the country, the security situation is gradually improving in the interior, favoring the return of displaced persons and refugees to their respective areas. . This return was recorded by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Central Africa (OCHA).

In the north of Paoua, more than 23,000 spontaneous returnees and 26,700 returnees were identified from 21 February to 7 March 2019, ie 4,351 households of 23,394 spontaneous returnees and 4,846 households of 26,713 returned to their respective villages. "This return is helped by the lull in the security situation. Humanitarian actors are mobilized for assistance to returnees and returnees, "reports OCHA's humanitarian bulletin.

These data are confirmed after the organization of 4 missions to monitor population movements in several villages in northern Paoua by UNHCR and humanitarian partners.

A little in the center of the country in Ndassima about 60 km north of the Bambari, 13,450 people returned to the Ndassima-Bambari axis, including 310 people in Ndassima 1,250 people in Ndassima 2, and 7,000 people or 430 households in Krandja and Djoubissi.

On the Bria IDP site, at least 2,060 people have returned to the 50,897 sites at 5 sites, a 3.88% reduction compared to February 2019 compared to December 2018. This return is also due to the lull observed in recent weeks in the region, according to humanitarian actors.

In the western zone, notably in Boukolo, 45 km from Berberati on the Gamboula road, the population welcomes daily the return of Fulani refugees to Cameroon. The presence of a hundred breeders in these regions testifies to the cohabitation between the communities.

These returns are also observed in Bakouma and Alindao, two cities that were affected by the violence towards the end of 2018. The return allowed the reopening of 70% of the schools. Of the 46 schools, 32 are operational and 30% or 9 schools are currently occupied by armed groups.

Although aid workers have observed the return to several cities, the management of transhumance remains a source of tension in Bocaranga and Ngaoundaye in the north of the country. At least 896 hectares of fields have been devastated by livestock in these areas. "1,200 households lost their fields because of transhumance, given that 73% of these households have only their fields as their source of income, while 27% of these households have spontaneous returns," commented one humanitarian actor.

The lull observed in recent weeks after the signing of the peace agreement between the government and the armed groups remains fragile, given the challenge of the new government following the Khartoum dialogue by some armed groups who demand more space in this inclusive government.

The AU-organized meeting will be held in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa on Monday. It is expected to follow up on the progress that has been made since the car government and 14 armed groups signed a peace agreement in early February.

"As you know, some movements raised the issue of the formation of the government ... This meeting really is to get stock, one month after we sign the agreement, of where we are and also address these issues and also take additional measures in implementing other articles, mainly those relating to the security arrangements in terms of deploying the security unit on the ground, and so on," Chergui said.

The commissioner added that the implementation of this agreement on CAR peace settlement appeared to be more successful than of the previous agreements.

"I think it's more or less ... positive way that we are dealing with the matter this time compared to the former agreements," Chergui said.

He added that the meeting would last for as long as necessary.

"Whatever is needed. We are starting on Monday, March 18, and [the meeting will] certainly [continue on] Tuesday, March 19, and hopefully we can address all the matters," Chergui said.

The Central African Republic has been suffering from a drawn-out conflict since a coup in 2013. Much of the fighting in recent years has been between Muslim-majority Seleka and Christian Anti-Balaka militias.

During his visit to CAR's capital of Bangui on Saturday, Bogdanov held meetings with President Faustin-Archange Touadera and the country's top diplomat, Samuel Rangba.

"A substantial discussion of topical issues related to the Russian-Central African relations and the prospects of further expansion of mutually beneficial cooperation, including Bangui's interest in Russia's assistance in CAR's socioeconomic development, the training of national personnel, enhancement of security and stability in this friendly African country, has taken place," the ministry said in a statement, published on its official website.

The Russian deputy foreign minister also reiterated Moscow's readiness to help promote the implementation of the 2018 Khartoum Declaration on the establishment of peace and security in the Central African Republic and the peace deal that was signed between the car government and armed formations in early February to end the armed conflict in the country.

In recent years, CAR has been struggling with the conflict between the Muslim-majority armed group Seleka and primarily Christian Anti-balaka militia. In August 2018, the armed groups signed a declaration of understanding as a result of Russia-brokered talks in the Sudanese capital, which was followed by a peace deal between the government and over a dozen armed formations, inked on February 6.

BANGUI (Reuters) - Central African Republic has included more rebel officials in an expanded cabinet, the president announced on Friday, in a bid to shore up peace efforts after several armed groups said they were not sufficiently represented following a deal last month.

Central African Republic reached an agreement with 14 armed groups in February, aimed at bringing stability to a country rocked by violence since 2013 when mainly Muslim Selaka rebels ousted the then President Francois Bozize, prompting reprisals from mostly Christian militia.

The diamond and gold-producing country has been ravaged by years of conflict that had shown little sign of abating until now.

President Faustin-Archange Touadera announced on Friday a new cabinet list of 39 members, in which all 14 armed groups were represented. Only 10 groups were represented in the previously announced list, which had 34 members.

The peace deal, signed in Sudan’s capital Khartoum, faced its first major setback a month after it was ratified, when several armed groups withdrew representatives from the new cabinet and demanded a more inclusive reshuffle.

The president’s announcement came two days after reconciliation talks arranged by the African Union in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa.

The 14 rebel groups had said last week that they had not been sufficiently consulted over the original cabinet list.

In the new line-up, the major Selaka groups FPRC and UPC have three and two representatives, respectively.

“The UPC congratulates itself and congratulates Prime Minister Firmin Ngrebada for forming a government that now respects the Khartoum accord. We call on all ministers to get to work without delay to bring peace back to this country,” UPC political coordinator Hassan Bouba told Reuters via telephone.

Christian anti-balaka militia did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Thousands of people have died because of the unrest and a fifth of the country’s 4.5 million population have fled their homes. The United Nations deployed a peacekeeping mission in 2014.

But prospects for a lasting peace remain uncertain, as agreements in 2014, 2015 and 2017 all broke down.

Three top rebel chiefs have been named "special military advisers" to the Central African Republic government, the presidency said Monday as the volatile country sought to honour a February peace deal.

The three will be charged with setting up special joint units under the peace accord reached in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, the eighth since mainly Muslim rebels overthrew president Francois Bozize, a Christian, in 2013.

The accord, signed in Bangui on February 6, brought together President Faustin-Archange Touadera and the leaders of 14 armed groups who control some 80 percent of the country's territory.

The three rebel chiefs were named as Ali Darassa, head of Unity for Peace in Central Africa (UPC), Mahamat Alkatim, head of the Patriotic Movement for Central Africa (MPC), and Bi Sidi Souleymane, head of the 3R group (Return, Reclamation, Reconciliation).

They will help assure security alongside the national army.

Other rebel officials were also given roles including Adama Chaibou of the MPC, tasked with relations with the Arab world.

The announcement in early March of a new government in Bangui after the Khartoum accord sparked a wave of protest by armed groups demanding more ministerial positions.

The African Union set up a follow-up meeting to shore up the peace deal that resulted in a new agreement to form an inclusive government.

BAMBARI (Central African Republic), March 27 — At the market in Awatche in the middle of the Central African Republic, fresh sides of beef hang in the sun, tempting village folk after a rare agreement in an age-old dispute.

“Since November 2018, the Fulani have come back to us here,” says Felicien Katiako, chief of the nearby village of Govobanda.

The cattle breeders, who maintain a semi-nomadic lifestyle, had fled their village homes in the region in 2014 for fear of attack by farming communities as violence swept across the country.

While the mistrust that divides settled farmers from migrating folk is a potential source of bloodshed in much of Africa, people of the Awatche region have forged peace.

“We eat beef each week with the Fulani and they can have some cassava,” said Gervais Koyobogui, a chief of the villages along the road linking Bambari, the main town of the region, with Kouango.

Clashes between rival communities remain frequent in the CAR, frequently triggered by cattle rustling or the trampling of crops in the fields.

In Awatche, one steer is worth 500,000 francs (about RM3,506), a fortune for poor country people in one of the world’s least developed nations.

Armed groups are greedy for livestock when cattle represent such a substantial financial gain.

‘Bloody reprisals’

Killings arising from the seasonal migration of herds spiked after a 2013 coup by a mainly Muslim rebel alliance, the Seleka.

The group’s forces from the north were driven out of the southern capital Bangui in about 10 months, but by then the “anti-Balaka (machete)” fighters had emerged to fight the Seleka in various parts of the CAR.

Some of the Fulani took up arms to carry out brutal reprisals over cattle-rustling and “taxes” imposed by the anti-Balaka and by armed groups that formed when the Seleka was officially dissolved.

“The presence of young (Fulani) in ex-Seleka ranks... led to confusion and provoked a cycle of bloody reprisals,” researchers Florent Ankogui-Mpoko and Thierry Vircoulon wrote in a March 2018 report on livestock migration in the country.

The village of Awatche was attacked three times in 2014 and 2015 by rebel forces who originated with the Seleka.

For fear of reprisals by the ethnic Banda farmers, Fulani families from the villages took refuge on territory controlled by ex-Seleka forces, but they did not find the security they hoped for.

“I came back to Awatche three months ago, because out there we suffered too much. I lost a lot of my family and cattle as well,” Mohammad told AFP.

With watchful eyes framed by his turban, he said he lost 280 animals, either stolen or taken by armed groups claiming their tax.

“Every month the Seleka took two or three head of cattle from me,” said Joden, another herder who came back to the village four months ago.

Men like them are returning gradually, encouraged by family initiatives and mediation sessions organised by the authorities.

Mediation, compensation

“We protect the village against thieves, the anti-Balaka and the UPC (Union for Peace in the Central African Republic),” said Simplice, a lanky member of Awatche’s self-defence group.

The village has sorted out a way to settle disputes arising from the destruction of fields by cattle.

“We bring the two sides together in the field, we make a survey, and now we go to the chief to find out how much compensation should be paid,” said mediator Philippe.

The conflict “made the village so very weak,” he said, adding: “It’s only with peace that development will come.”

Problems caused by migratory grazing and cattle thefts remain the norm in most of the rest of the CAR, where the peaceable balance struck in these villages has not taken hold.

In January, more than 13 people were killed at Zaoro Sangou in the west by Fulanis seeking revenge for the murder of stock-breeders a few days earlier.

The bloodshed provoked further reprisals against Muslims in nearby Carnot, who were assaulted, had their shops pillaged and saw a mosque razed to the ground. — AFP

The Central African Republic (CAR) has recently taken a significant step toward peace after years of violence and instability. In February, negotiations convened under the auspices of the African Union led to a peace agreement between the CAR government and leaders of armed groups. Now President Faustin-Archange Touadéra must lead the implementation of the agreement to resolve the many complex issues that have driven violence in the country. Join the U.S. Institute of Peace on April 9 to hear President Touadéra discuss his priorities and vision for building peace in CAR.

Since gaining independence from France in 1960, CAR has experienced chronic instability and outbreaks of violent conflict. The most recent crisis began in late 2012 when a coalition of armed groups banded together to seize control of the country, ushering in an unprecedented level of violence that culminated in a bloody coup d'état. While a transitional government was able to hold the country’s first peaceful, democratic election in 2016, ongoing violence and instability threaten to erode this progress. In 2018, intensifying clashes and deepening divisions led to a record 1.1 million people displaced by the conflict and made CAR one of the deadliest countries in the world for aid workers.

The CAR government, in partnership with the international community, is working to address the longstanding grievances driving the conflict and the profound insecurity affecting many of the country’s citizens. Early this year, the African Union led peace negotiations between the government and armed groups in Khartoum, Sudan, the eighth attempt at a peace deal. With support from a wide range of stakeholders, the dialogue produced a new peace deal outlining steps to reduce conflict and build peace.

CAR President Promotes Diamond Leases & New Bangui Electric Project Funded By A Chinese Company

Although these articles are not pertaining to AXM, they are both very positive and show that the country is open for business. Getting support from Chinese companies reflects good on other ones in CAR like Axmin which are majority owned and controlled by Chinese investors/directors.

Presidential Statement Expresses Readiness to Review Ban, Sets Terms for Removal
The Security Council expressed today its readiness to review the arms embargo it imposed on the Central African Republic, announcing a set of benchmarks to guide its decision as to whether it will suspend or progressively lift that restriction later this year.

Issuing presidential statement S/PRST/2019/3, Christoph Heusgen (Germany), President for April, recalled the Council’s intention to establish, by 30 April, “clear and well‑identified key benchmarks” to measure progress in reforming the security sector, on advancing the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and rehabilitation process, and on managing weapons and ammunition.

More specifically, the benchmarks would require the Government of the Central African Republic to implement the National Programme for Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation, in particular the socioeconomic reintegration of former members of armed groups and the integration of vetted former members into all uniformed services; and to draft a planning document detailing its needs in terms of weapons and facilities for the storage of ammunition.

Other benchmarks would require the Government to finalize a protocol on the registration and management of armaments intended for the national defence and security forces, covering small arms, light weapons and ammunition; to operationalize a national commission to combat the proliferation of small arms and light weapons; and to establish a protocol on the collection and destruction — or transfer to the armed forces and internal security forces — of unregistered or illicitly held weapons and ammunition seized by the authorities.

The presidential statement reiterated the Council’s request that the Secretary-General conduct an assessment, no later than 31 July, of progress made on the benchmarks, in close consultation with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), United Nations Mine Action Service and the Panel of Experts on the Central African Republic. The Council further recalled its intention to review, by 30 September, the arms embargo in light of that assessment.

It also reiterated the Council’s request that the Central African Republic authorities report to the Committee established pursuant to resolution 2127 (2013), by 30 June, on progress relating to security sector reform; on the disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and rehabilitation process; and on the management of weapons and ammunition. Meanwhile, the Council acknowledged the urgent need of the Central African Republic authorities to train and equip their national defence and security forces.

The Council welcomed the consensus reached by the signatories to the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, signed in Bangui on 6 February between the Government of the Central African Republic and 14 non-State armed groups. It welcomed also the engagement of the African Union, Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the United Nations. Urging stakeholders to implement the peace agreement “in good faith and without delay”, the Council called upon neighbouring countries, regional organizations and all international partners to support its implementation and coordinate their actions with the aim of bringing lasting peace and stability to the country.

Mr. Lifei Jiang benefits form over fifteen years of senior operational experience in Africa in the investment, construction and mining industries. He has served as project manager, vice general manager and general manager for the Chinese states owned enterprises China Geo-Engineering Corporation (CGC) and CGCOC Group Company Limited in several African countries where he was directly responsible for project management, bidding, financial controls, team building, and market development.

Mr. Jiang is extremely familiar with local traditions and cultures, different applicable mining laws and effective operational procedures for delivering mining operations in Africa. For AXMIN, Mr. Jiang will be managing the in-country operations of the Company.

Mr. Qian benefits from experience in senior administration of Chinese companies working with international counterparties to manage projects within and outside of China. He has been responsible for coordination and international communication in large events, as well as corporate news releases and translations.

AXMIN's Chairman and CEO Lucy Yan sated:

AXMIN is very pleased to appoint Mr. Jiang and Mr. Qian to assist the company with our in-country operations and international co-ordination. We believe these key staff additions will assist the Company as we fully restart our operations in the Central African Republic in the near future. We are very excited to see the improving security developments in the region around our mining asset and will provide a further update in this regard.

About AXMIN

AXMIN is a Canadian exploration and development company with a strong focus on the African continent. AXMIN continues to closely monitor the security situation at its Passendro Gold Project in the Central African Republic. For more information regarding AXMIN visit our website at www.axmininc.com. Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/axmininc

Six armed groups (the UPC, MPC, RPRC, MLCJ, Anti-Balaka (Mokom faction) and the FPRC)* signed an important peace agreement Tuesday 9 April in Bria, in the Central African Republic (CAR), which is expected to put an end to more than six years of violent conflict in the eastern region of Haute-Kotto.

The Accord is the result of talks convened by the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) between the groups from 1-9 April 2019 in Bria. It also marks the culmination of months of intensive local mediation efforts led by HD to bring an end to violence across the Haute-Kotto region. Repeated attacks by the groups in the area since 2013 have led to the loss of many lives, widespread destruction of property and the displacement of thousands of people. The violence has also increased the divide between the Christian and Muslim communities which has been instrumentalised by the armed groups.

The Bria Agreement builds on the Accord for Peace and Reconciliation in the CAR (APPR), which was signed on 6 February 2019 between the Government and fourteen armed groups, including the six Bria Agreement signatories.

Under the terms of the Bria Accord, the parties have committed to:

Putting an end to violence;
Ensuring peace and security throughout the region;
Resolving grievances peacefully;
Refusing the instrumentalisation of differences based on politics, ethnicity or religion ;
Ensuring the safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons; and,
Guaranteeing the free movement of persons, goods and services, and humanitarian personnel. The follow-up committee set up under the APPR will be in charge of monitoring implementation of the Bria Accord.

“This Agreement represents an important step in strengthening the APPR and turning Central African people’s hope for peace and reconciliation into reality.” said Freddy Nkurikiye, HD’s Special Representative for Central and West Africa.

HD has been working in support of peace in the CAR since 2007, assisting both the country’s National Political Dialogue and community-based mediation efforts. HD played a key role in the 2008 Inclusive Political Dialogue, the 2015 Bangui Forum, the 2016 electoral process and more recently, the 2019 APPR process. The organisation has also been involved in the facilitation of local agreements such as the 2017 Bouar Agreement between the 3R and anti-Balakas armed groups which enabled the stabilization of parts of the Nana Mambéré province.

HD would like to thank the parties, the United Nations Multi-dimensional, integrated and stabilization Mission (MINUSCA) as well as the local administrative, traditional and religious leaders for their support to the mediation process which led to the Bria Agreement.

The organisation would also like to express its gratitude to the European Union for its financial support which has enabled HD to support peace efforts in CAR since 2014.

END

For any further enquiries, please contact HD’s Special Representative for West and Central Africa, Mr Freddy Nkurikiye, by phone on +41 79 388 35 31, or by email: nkurikiye@hdcentre.org

04/11/2019Marty SmithNo Comments
WASHINGTON (STL.News) – The US Department of State release the following:

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus:‎

Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met today with Central African Republic (CAR) President Faustin Archange Touadera in Washington, D.C. The Secretary affirmed U.S.-CAR relations and underscored strong support for President Touadera’s efforts to bring lasting stability and security to the Central African people by implementing the recently signed peace agreement. The two leaders exchanged views on a variety of key issues, including institutionalizing democratic reforms, creating a more inclusive and transparent business environment to revitalize the CAR economy, and ensuring justice for victims of war crimes. President Touadera also expressed his commitment to building an inclusive government and fighting impunity.

Bangui, Central African Republic (CAR) - The Central African government and the World Bank signed a $ 45 million multilateral agreement in Washington on April 9 for the construction of a solar field near the capital Bangui.

The Central African government represented by the Ministers of Economy, Planning and Cooperation, Félix Moloua and that of Finance and Budget Henri-Marie Dondra, sealed this agreement in a context where it places the energy issue at the center. of his concerns for this year 2019.

According to the government, with this project, the Central African Republic wants to increase energy capacity by 25 megawatts in order to boost the economy, in line with Pillar 3 of the National Recovery and Peacebuilding Plan (RCPCA). The start of work is scheduled for August 2019.

With a rate of access to electricity that is 4% against an African average of 16%, the Central African government intends to raise this level with several projects. The extension works of the Boali 2 plant have just been launched thanks to the financial support of the African Development Bank for an amount of 23 billion FCFA to have 10 megawat more.

Central African energy will also benefit this year from another 10 megawat that will come from the installation of a thermal power plant with financing from the Saudi fund. This project includes a public lighting component for 14 avenues in the city of Bangui. The executory phase of the work is also planned for the second semester, the contract being already awarded.

"We will continue with the support of our partners to invest heavily in energy infrastructure, very important for our development," said the head of state Faustin Archange Touadera on March 30 on the occasion of his year 3 in power.

Several affluent investors, the Central African Republic after the signing of the peace agreement and Khartoum, is made possible thanks to the support of the Russian Federation, which further strengthens its cooperation with this country friends long abused by the Western powers.

According to a statement issued by AfDB, the Central Africa Regional Integration Strategy Paper (RISP) for 2019 – 2025 builds on the lessons learned from the implementation of previous regional development initiatives. It also lists the Bank’s plans to accelerate intra-regional trade, inclusive economic growth and structural transformation of the Central African region.

“It will guide the Bank’s regional operations in seven member countries of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), namely Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Central African Republic – a combined population of some 130 million people,” reads a statement Chawki Chahed, Chief Communications Officer, Communication & External Relations Department, African Development Bank.

“The cooperation, integration and economic development goals of the 2019 – 2025 Central Africa regional strategy will be achieved from the basis of two pillars: the first strengthens regional infrastructure (focusing on electricity networks, transport and ICT), while the second supports reforms for intra-regional trade development and cross-border investments and builds the institutional capacity of regional organizations, especially ECCAS and the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC).”

Ousmane Dore, Director-General of the Bank’s Central Africa Regional Development and Business Delivery Office said in 2018, the GDP growth rate in Central Africa doubled to 2.2 % from 1.1% in 2017, but remained below the sub-Saharan average of 3.5%.

“The region’s growth was driven primarily by global commodity prices, principally oil. Other countries within the ECCAS region continued to grapple with the vicious circle of instability and fragility, weak human and institutional capacity, and infrastructure deficits in the transport, energy and ICT sectors.

“Central Africa has significant oil resources, deposits of precious metals and minerals, huge transboundary water resources, and the continent’s greatest hydropower potential. Implementation of the Central Africa integration strategy will encourage regional and national authorities to ensure that cross-border programs and initiatives are embedded into public resource planning and administration,” said Dore.

The bank further stated that implementation of the Central Africa RISP will require investments amounting to US$ 4.421 billion, corresponding to 30 regional operations over the seven-year period. About 88% of the planned funding would be devoted to strengthening regional infrastructure. The infrastructure and institutional capacity-building components of the plan will also support the resilience of the countries in the region. Specific operations will also strengthen resilience to food insecurity, enable the socio-economic reintegration of vulnerable groups, and conserve ecosystems in the Congo Basin.

“The African Development Bank’s ongoing support for Central Africa is crucial for the successful economic integration of the countries in the region. The new Regional Integration Strategy Paper continues this tradition of supportive interventions in critical economic sectors. Ultimately, it will be a huge boost to intra-regional trade and a much needed structural transformation of the policy and business environment,” said Moono Mupotola, the Bank’s Director of Regional Development and Regional Integration.

The RISP is in conformity with the Bank’s new Regional Integration Strategy Framework (RISF) which was approved in March 2018, and the Ten-Year Strategy of the African Development Bank Group (2013-2022). It also aligns with the regional priorities from ECCAS and CEMAC and the Bank’s High 5priorities

MOSCOW — Russia will send up to 30 military personnel to Central African Republic as part of a U.N mission to help stabilize the country, according to a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin on Monday.

The decree said the Russian contingent would include military observers, staff officers and military communications specialists.

Moscow has already sent military equipment to CAR and Russian instructors are on the ground helping train the country's armed forces.

Prime Minister Firmin Ngrébada chaired this Tuesday, April 16, 2019, a large meeting bringing together the UN Deputy Secretary General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security Smail Chergui , the Director General- Africa of the European Union's External Action Service Koen Vervaeke , Minusca Chief Mankeur Ndiaye , AU Ambassador to the Central African Republic and EU Ambassador Samuella Isopi . The meeting is part of the focus of the field visit to Bambari and Bangassou and the preparation of the big meeting of the international support group.

It is at least a success after the signing of the peace agreement that allowed the country to start a new step forward for its recovery. Prime Minister Firmin Ngrébada, who is a formidable actor in the signing of this agreement, is keen on its implementation, which, together with the joint Government-international partners mission mentioned above, a field visit was made on April 15 to Bambari and Bangassou in order to pinpoint the reality of the significant advances recorded after the signing of this peace agreement and reconciliation.

At the end of this large-scale meeting to finalize this internal displacement, Smail Chergui told the press that: "We see that the implementation of the Peace Agreement is in progress. course and good path. I take this opportunity to reaffirm the availability of the United Nations-African Union-European Union to support in a determined manner this implementation of the agreement and to accompany the government for all efforts for all the actions that are expected on security, recovery and cooperation ".

UN Secretary -General Jean-Pierre Lacroix said that this meeting with the Central African Prime Minister confirms the commitment of the UN and its agencies to make this peace agreement progress in order to allow the population to live in peace. According to him, the finding recorded in Bambari and Bangassou, confirms that there is a clear return to peace and stability in the region. This is to say that everyone has understood that this peace agreement is a unique opportunity for the country to definitively emerge from known crises. The latter promised that the United Nations will always be side by side with the CAR, for which, "the government can count on the UN for multiform support".

It should be noted that this peace agreement is a new page that opens for the country. "This peace agreement is a roadmap, a compass whose partners are committed to its implementation," said Koen Vervaeke of the European Union who stressed that each of the parties to the agreement agreement must take its responsibility and the partners are determined to support the success of this agreement, which Europe has been supporting with the CAR for years with all that it offers in the field of security and development, as evidenced by the projects put in place. implemented.

@PRESSE PRIMATURE

Verbatim statements of the Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union (AU), Ambassador Smail Chergui, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and Director-General for Africa European External Action Service of the European Union (EU), Koen Vervaeke, following their meeting with the Prime Minister of the Central African Republic, Firmin Ngrebada.

Bangui, April 16, 2019

Ambassador Smail Chergui, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security

We have just had a working session with His Excellency the Prime Minister, following our visit yesterday to the interior of the country, which today allows us to see that the implementation of the Agreement is in progress. It is on the right track and we have taken this opportunity to renew the willingness of the three organizations to support this implementation in a determined manner and to support the Government for all the actions that are expected of it in terms of security, economic recovery and in this exercise, the revival of its relations with neighboring countries. In a nutshell, that's what we did this morning. Thank you.

First of all, in a word, I would like to thank His Excellency the Prime Minister for receiving us, Smail Chergui, Koen Vervaeke and the head of MINUSCA, Mankeur Ndiaye. We have had with the Prime Minister an extremely concrete meeting, extremely action-oriented, towards specific points for which we will work together. We reaffirmed the full support of MINUSCA and the full support of the United Nations including agencies, funds and programs to work together to make this Agreement progress and that people in all parts of the country can see the difference quickly. . This meeting followed a field visit yesterday where together with the Prime Minister we went to Bambari and Bangassou. We were able to observe on the spot that the return to peace, the return to stability is advancing in these two prefectures and peace is possible. Everyone must understand that this Agreement is a unique window of opportunity and that this window we must avoid that it closes. On the contrary, we must make sure that it is wide open so that when we come back in a few months, we are already seeing even more substantial progress. So count on our determination and the Central African people, the Central African authorities. The signatories can count on our full support. On the contrary, we must make sure that it is wide open so that when we come back in a few months, we are already seeing even more substantial progress. So count on our determination and the Central African people, the Central African authorities. The signatories can count on our full support. On the contrary, we must make sure that it is wide open so that when we come back in a few months, we are already seeing even more substantial progress. So count on our determination and the Central African people, the Central African authorities. The signatories can count on our full support.

Koen Vervaeke, Africa Director General of the European External Action Service of the EU

Thank you very much on behalf of the European Union with the Peace Agreement. There is a new phase that has opened here in the Central African Republic. The roadmap, the compass for the Central African action but also in support with the partners, is obviously its implementation. The meeting we had this morning with the Prime Minister made clear this Government's determination to implement the various provisions and to ensure that for the Central African people, this agreement makes the difference. There is a new Government that is inclusive, which also includes the armed groups, and so it is an incredible opportunity to move forward. Everyone must take responsibility and we, as partners, are fully committed to supporting its implementation, the implementation of the Agreement. Europe has been with the Central African Republic for years with all we can offer in the field of security, in the political field and in the field of development. We are fully committed to continuing to contribute. A key element of success is the cooperation between the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union, and I believe that our presence together here testifies to this. It also reflects the daily and concrete work here on the ground by our three organizations. Thank you. it is the cooperation between the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union and I believe that our presence together here testifies to this. It also reflects the daily and concrete work here on the ground by our three organizations. Thank you. it is the cooperation between the United Nations, the African Union and the European Union and I believe that our presence together here testifies to this. It also reflects the daily and concrete work here on the ground by our three organizations. Thank you.

Bangui April 18, 2019- (Ndjoni Sango): The Central African Republic is very rich in natural resources: diamonds, gold, wood, oil, uranium among others, a very fertile land. So why is the poverty rate so high in this country of about 5 million people? It is, unconditionally, linked to two important facts: the war that was unfolding in the country constantly, and the complete absence of control over the treatment of natural resources by the government. And if the first question is being solved, especially thanks to the support of the partners, finally the territories of the country become united and secure. The second question has no solution yet.

If the government takes control of the resources available to CAR, the profit gained could enrich the country's treasury and can be used for road construction, supply and construction of hospitals, and equipment for the army.

There is a lot of talk about some mines deposits. For example, some say that it was the foreigners who occupied the mining activities, others say that these mines are abandoned at the mercy of traffickers. To understand the situation, we went to one of the best-known gold mines in the village of Krandja, Ndassima near Bambari in the central Ouaka prefecture.

The first destination on our way was Bambari, a town named after a warrior, but infamous for the fights that often took place.

Arriving at Bambari, we saw a cafe that was open, a market that was caught by commerce and the peaceful neighborhood of Christians and Muslims. The atmosphere was very friendly. When people knew we were a journalist, there were many who wanted to talk to us and share their stories about local life.

Bambari, which is at the crossroads of several commercial axes, often becomes a battlefield. Fortunately, all this is now the past. Having spent a few days in Bambari, we listened to music from the cafe, bars and bars that are not far from the hotel, not the sounds of gunfire and sirens. After the signing of the agreements in Khartoum the region regained stability and calm, this is confirmed by the FACA patrols that are not far from the city.

Early in the morning we went to Krandja to Ndachima about sixty Bambari, on a motorcycle taxi that we rented. The road to Krandja is calm, but it is broken and very tight. It is restored and expanded in many places. We really want this to happen all over the country, because safe and secure roads could not only guarantee a comfortable and fast move, but, for example, give the opportunity to lead a regular national football championship, why not?

Having arrived at the mine, we interviewed Jean Narcisse Kossi Kouzou , Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Dibissi in Ndassima and manager of the Krandja mine. He told us about what's going on in the mine.

" We work together here. There is the craftsman and the worker. The craftsman hires the workers he takes care of on a daily basis. It's since 2012. It's been 7 years now that I'm working on the Krandja mine site. We do the work with the hand. We do not have the means to work. We do not have an industrial machine. It is with the hand that we work. We work from 8am to 12am. After eating, we return to the site to work at 13:30 and we finish at 15h to return to the village. Because the village is 5 km from the site, there at the junction "

Ndjoni Sango: Since you've been working on this mining site, are there expatriates or westerners who come here to work too or buy the diamonds at your place?

" No no no. Only Central Africans working here, no white no strangers. I assure you that it is only Central Africans who work on the site, who buy and sell here. There is no white coming here to buy the diamond.

Ndjoni Sango: Since you are on this site, what problem do you often encounter with the workers? Do you work freely and with safety or?

"For safety, it's okay. There is no problem, there is no aggression.

Ndjoni Sango: After the signing of the Khartoum peace accord signed by the government and the armed groups, how do you see this agreement and the return of peace in CAR?

"I who speak to you, I am a Christian. I manage everything that works here. There are many Muslims working on the construction site that I manage. There is no problem between us »
Ndjoni Sango: There is peace and social cohesion, you say. And how are you going to capitalize peace efforts in your locality?

" Very well. Well, we have to progress like this. Even those who moved there, the com-zone told us to write them to go back to their homes. There is no distinction between Christians and Muslims ".

And it's true, at our table was sitting Christians and Muslims and we were all at the table like brothers, everything was very nice and friendly. After the signing of the Khartoum Accords, representatives of the UPC arrived and they shared ideas about peace and social cohesion, as well as the details of the agreement itself. Of course these ideas were highly appreciated and became a life principle.

By doing the hand work, without the use of machines, people get together even more, are always ready to give each other a hand.

When we returned, we stopped at Ndassima, where we also discussed with the locals and the workers of the mine. You will read these interviews in the coming days.

Note: typo in article showing 2014 when this agreement was signed in 2019, see article date below.

PRESS RELEASE
The General Coordination of the FPRC applauds the significant advances of the Khartoum peace agreement signed on February 6th, 2014 in Bangui, symbolized by recent salutary and saving visits of our peace allies.

The FPRC calls on all Central African compatriots to be restrained and calm, to put their country and differences a posteriori, to admit political failures and to appropriate the agreement as a tool for reform.

The FPRC regrets negative actions under the pretext of foolishness and notes the lack of patriotic love and civility of some compatriots.

The FPRC calls on the Government and our peace partners to urgently put in place the National Implementation and Monitoring Committee of the Peace Agreement to guarantee the agreement.

The FPRC calls all Central African citizens to respect the institutions and the laws of the Republic because the time is not the challenge of these institutions but the reconstruction. Let's build a country and not a profit.

The FPRC asks all Central Africans to unite around the Central African Peace Coalition led by President TOADERA and his Government to take the trouble, to double their courage and vigilance to achieve the long-awaited wonder, the rebirth of the Central African Republic worthy and prosperous.

BANGUI, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Zheng Jianbang, vice chairperson of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Faustin-Archange Touadera, president of the Central African Republic (CAR), vowed on Wednesday in Bangui to deepen cooperation.

Zheng conveyed warm greetings and good wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Touadera. The relationship between China and the CAR has been progressing smoothly, the mutual political trust has been strengthening, and pragmatic cooperation in areas such as economy and trade, and exchanges between people on various levels are moving forward in an orderly fashion, Zheng said.

Zheng reiterated China's commitment to supporting CAR's peace process and its nation building. He said that China is willing to deepen relations of friendly cooperation with the CAR amid efforts to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), so as to bring more benefits to the people of both countries.

For his part, Touadera asked Zheng to convey his sincere greetings and good wishes to President Xi. He said the CAR will, like before, resolutely adhere to the one-China policy, and is willing to work with China to consolidate the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

On the same day, Zheng also met with Laurent Ngon-Baba, speaker of the National Assembly of the CAR, and Firmin Ngrebada, CAR's prime minister.

Chairman Lucy Yan Provides AXMIN's Year End 2018 Financial Results
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 29, 2019) - AXMIN Inc. (TSXV: AXM) ("AXMIN" or the "Company") AXMIN releases highlights from its Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2018, which has been filed on SEDAR (amounts are in U.S. dollars).

NSR royalty from Teranga for the Gora Deposit was largely unchanged at $1.5 million from $1.6 million the previous year.
Work at Gora is now completed, but as of December 2018 there was remaining ore in stockpile to be processed by Teranga.
AXMIN holds an additional 16 properties in conjunction with Teranga subject to future development with no further capital participation contribution required from AXMIN.
AXMIN staff are in discussions with Teranga regarding progress on developing other properties in which AXMIN has an interest.
The Central African Republic (CAR)

AXMIN is delighted with the progress made in the Central African Republic to establish a lasting peace that will bring stability and development to the country. The Company is looking forward to being back on site and working at its Passendro gold asset near Ndassima in the near future.
AXMIN has appointed Mr Lifei Jiang as CEO of the two subsidiary companies of AXMIN in the CAR in preparation for our imminent return to operations. Mr Jiang benefits from a great deal of experience in mining and construction projects in Africa. He has worked for and with large Chinese state-owned enterprises and is very familiar with the laws and regulations in our jurisdiction.
Commenting on the annual results, Ms. Lucy Yan AXMIN's chairman, said:

"During the past year AXMIN has made excellent progress on many fronts. Internally, we have resolved a long-standing account payable and now benefit from a clean balance sheet with positive Shareholder Equity. We are pleased with the revenue we have received from the Gora deposit in conjunction with Teranga and look forward to future target properties being developed.

"In the CAR, we have seen positive steps taken by all of the stakeholders in the CAR with active support from international organizations such as the African Union and the United Nations as well as the neighboring countries to the CAR. We look forward to a continuation of this trend and a security solution to be implemented in Ndassima.

"In my report in January, I presented the way forward for AXMIN in 2019 building on the strong results in 2018. I am happy to confirm that we are on track to deliver the key milestones highlighted in my report. The appointment of Mr Jiang as CEO of Somio Toungou S.A and of Aurafrique SARL is a key development that will enable our successful development of the Passendro gold asset. We have also already identified and commenced dialog with several potential strategic partners to assist with developing our assets before even commencing the formal selection process.

"Also, as I stated in my January report the Company will be more communicative with the market going forward. AXMIN looks forward to updating its shareholders and the financial markets as a whole with operational developments in the CAR in the near future."

This press release should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited annual report and accounts for the year ended December 31, 2018, together with its annual information form and management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2018, all of which are available from the Company's website and on SEDAR.

We seek Safe Harbor.

About AXMIN

AXMIN is a Canadian exploration and development company with a strong focus on central and West Africa. AXMIN is positioned to grow in value as it progresses its Passendro Gold Project towards development and builds on its project pipeline focusing on transitioning from an explorer to producer. For more information regarding AXMIN visit our website at www.axmininc.com. Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/axmininc.

This press release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements." All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein, including without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of AXMIN; and statements regarding the ability to develop and achieve production at Passendro are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from AXMIN's expectations have been disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in AXMIN's documents filed from time-to-time with the TSX Venture Exchange and other regulatory authorities. AXMIN disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether resulting from new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

TGZ Financials Page 9: Includes royalties to Axmin Inc. on account of their 1.5 percent net smelter royalty on the Gora deposit. During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company incurred $0.5 million of Axmin royalties (2018: $0.5 million).

End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF's Executive Board for discussion and decision.
The recent peace agreement is a unique opportunity to improve the Central African Republic’s (C.A.R.) security and create the conditions for sustained and inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and job creation.
Good progress was made in discussions with the authorities on economic and financial policies that could support completion of the sixth and final program review.
C.A.R.’s macroeconomic performance remains favorable with increasing economic growth and contained inflation.
An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, led by Mr. Édouard Martin, visited Bangui from April 24 through May 3, 2019 to conduct discussions for the sixth and final review of the Central African Republic’s economic reform program supported by an Extended Credit Facility (ECF). The team met with President Touadéra, President of the National Assembly Ngon-Baba, Minister of Finance Dondra, Minister of Economy Moloua, National Director of the BEAC Chaibou, and other senior government officials. The team also met with parliamentarians and representatives of the business and donor communities.

At the end of the visit, Mr. Martin issued the following statement:

“The peace agreement signed on February 6, 2019 by the government and representatives of 14 armed groups represents a unique opportunity to improve the Central African Republic’s (C.A.R.) security situation and create the conditions for sustained and inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and job creation.

“C.A.R.’s macroeconomic performance remains favorable. Economic growth is estimated at around 4 percent in 2018 and is projected to reach 4½ percent in 2019. Inflation was subdued at 1.6 percent in 2018 and is expected to remain contained. The current account deficit (excluding grants) would decline from about 12 percent in 2018 to around 11 percent in 2019. The banking sector remains well capitalized and liquid, with the share of
non-performing loans decreasing significantly thanks to the repayment of commercial arrears by the government. Risks to the outlook remain significant, relating on the downside to the volatile security environment and rising oil prices and on the upside to the implementation of the peace agreement.

“The implementation of the ECF-supported program—which will expire on July 19, 2019, as initially envisaged—is broadly on track. Program performance at end-December 2018 is satisfactory overall: all quantitative performance criteria were met, except for the domestic primary deficit, reflecting higher-than-expected current spending, and the repayment of domestic arrears, which was slightly delayed. Domestic revenue in the first quarter of 2019 was lower than expected, owing mainly to the forced closure in March of the main road from Cameroon and delays in the transfer on budget of the parafiscal taxes collected by public agencies. Most structural reforms have also been implemented, except for the elimination of parafiscal taxes without economic justification, which will require more time than initially estimated, and the submission to parliament of the draft law on public agencies, expected in the coming days.

“The Central African authorities and the IMF team made good progress in discussions on a set of economic and financial policies needed for the completion of the sixth and final review under the ECF. Discussions focused on the parameters of a revised budget for 2019—to be submitted to parliament before mid-June—with a view to optimize the use of the additional budget support provided by international partners to help sustainably meet the new priority spending needs generated by the peace agreement. Additional measures to improve and sustain revenue mobilization—including strengthening imports and export valuation—are also key to meeting these needs.

“The team urged the authorities to accelerate the integration of parafiscal taxes in the treasury single account and the implementation of the planed elimination of taxes and fees with no economic justification to support private sector development. The authorities are also encouraged to continue the strengthening of public expenditure management, to promote transparency and good governance. The authorities requested an IMF governance diagnostic mission and confirmed their commitment to limit borrowing—including concessional loans—to safeguard debt sustainability.

“The team thanks the authorities for their warm hospitality, cooperation, and constructive discussions."

AXMIN ANNOUNCES COMMENCEMENT OF A PROCESS TO SELECT A STRATEGIC PARTNER

Axmin Inc. is commencing a formal process for the selection of a strategic partner (or partners).

With the improving security and stability in the Central African Republic (CAR), AXMIN is now moving forward into a selection process for the development of the Passendro asset.

Potential Strategic Partners should:Be large multinational corporations that have experience with large scale construction, mining and infrastructure development in Africa.Be capable of dealing with in country logistics and liaising with various security services.Have an established track record of delivering projects on time and on budget.Enjoy an impeccable record for health, safety and environmental protection. Be sensitive to AXMIN's strict focus and adherence to Corporate Social Responsibility.

'We are delighted to now commence the formal selection process for a Strategic Partner or more broadly a team of Strategic Partners. As we have communicated before, AXMIN is already in discussions with several potential candidates; but as we now have clarity on returning to work on our asset in the CAR, it is appropriate to broaden this process and facilitate an open playing field for this development opportunity.'

Interested parties should contact AXMIN's CFO, Mr. David Weill at david@axmininc.com to progress the requisite documentation for access to the Company's online dataroom and be included in the process.

About AXMIN

AXMIN is a Canadian exploration and development company with a strong focus on central and West Africa. AXMIN is positioned to grow in value as it progresses its Passendro Gold Project towards development and builds on its project pipeline focusing on transitioning from an explorer to a producer. For more information regarding AXMIN visit our website at www.axmininc.com. Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/axmininc.

BANGUI, May 17 (Xinhua) - Three months after the signing of a peace agreement between the Central African State and the 14 armed groups active on the territory, ten of them have handed the list of their members on Friday. likely to be eligible for the peace process in the Central African Republic (CAR), found on Friday in Bangui a Xinhua correspondent.

This took place at the 17th Ordinary Session of the Advisory and Follow-up Committee of the National Program for Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Repatriation (DDRR).

From now on, almost a thousand ex-combatants are on the list of eligible candidates for the DDRR program, either by integrating the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) or by choosing a socio-economic activity for which they will have to be trained and then provided. in installation kits in the field of their choice.

In a response to the press, DDRR Minister Noël-Bienvenu Sélesson said lists of members of armed groups are essential for planning DDRR activities. The latter were officially launched by Central African President Faustin-Archange Touadéra from the Central African city of Paoua (extreme north-west) last December.

Mr. Sélesson also added that the lists are necessary for the constitution of the special mixed security units (USMS), recommended by the peace agreement and to regroup the regular forces that are the FACA, the policemen and gendarmes, as well as some ex-combatants rebel groups.

FACA(CAR forces) have entered an area north of where Axmin's gold deposit is for the first time in 5 years, as stated by the CAR government facebook page. This means it's highly likely that they have secured the Ndassima region or at the very least will be headed there shortly.

Wed 17/04/2019 - 12:00
The Minister in charge of Mines and Geology, Leopold MBOLI FATRAN conferred on 17 April in Bangui with the Vice Governor of the Chinese Province of FUJIAN on a working visit of a few days in the Central African Republic.

The Vice-Governor of FUJIAN Province, Mr. Li-DEJIN, at the head of a strong delegation exchanged with the member of the Government on the issues of economic cooperation and investment in the field of mining and geology.
This visit, which is part of a friendly and cooperative relationship, further strengthens ties between China and the Central African Republic. This relates to the exploration and exploitation of Mineral Resources. A visit of the officials of the Department in the Chinese province is planned for the coming months. It should also be noted that young Central African graduates have just left for China for a two-year period as part of a Master's degree course in Petroleum Project Management.

AXMIN Announces Financial Results for the Three Months Ending March 31, 2019 and Recent Operational Highlights

2019-05-30 08:04 MT - News Release

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - May 30, 2019) - AXMIN Inc. (TSXV: AXM) ("AXMIN" or the "Company") AXMIN releases highlights from its un-audited interim Financial Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2019. All amounts included in this news release are in United States dollars.

Financial Results:

During the three months ended March 31, 2019, the Company realized royalty income of $494,411 from the Gora Project, compared with $490,551 for the same time period of 2018.
The net income was $322,505 compared to $373,527 in the same period of 2018.
Liquidity and Capital Resources:

As at March 31, 2019 the Company had cash on deposit in the amount of $1,190,421, accounts and other receivables of $506,627, and prepaid expenses of $9,978. Royalty income receivable of $494,411 has been received subsequent to the period ended March 31, 2019.
As at March 31, 2019, the Company had working capital of $1,283,718 compared to a working capital of $935,823 as at December 31, 2018. The change in working capital reflects a higher balance of cash and a lower balance of accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
Operational Highlights:

On January 14, 2019 AXMIN released an update for 2019 providing a road map for development of the Company during this year with the main focus being to become operational again in the CAR. This announcement highlighted the deployment of the CAR armed forces (FACA) in Bambari and surrounding areas. The Company also stated it would when appropriate appoint additional senior staff and commence a process to select a strategic partner or partners to assist with the development of the Passendro asset.

On April 10, 2019 AXMIN announced the appointment of Mr. Lifei Jiang as CEO of Somio Toungou S.A and CEO of Aurafrique SARL in Central African Republic and Mr. Jean Qian as Board Secretary and CEO Assistant of Axmin Inc.

Subsequent to the appointment of Mr Jiang, the Company has prepared and presented a Site Recovery and initial project plan to the Executive and to the Ministry of Mines in the CAR. Axmin is working directly with the Government to return to work at Passendro imminently. The Company is fully prepared to recommence activities immediately as soon as the Government of the CAR is confident of the security solution that is being put in place at this time.

On May 6, 2019 AXMIN announced that it has commenced the formal process for the selection of a strategic partner or partners for the development of the Passendro asset in the CAR as the company had clarity on its return to operations in the CAR. The Company is pleased to announce that this process is proceeding well.

On May 20, 2019 the Government of the CAR announced that it had successfully established a FACA military base at Kaga Bandoro without violence after an absence of 5 years from this area. The Company is delighted with this development as it should provide a key strategic base to establish security in the Bambari, Djiboussi, Katsia and Ndassima corridor in which the Passendro asset is located.

The Company is very pleased with the progress made by the Government of the CAR toward a lasting peace and a security solution for the area of our mining asset, the Passendro deposit.

We are also delighted to be on course as per our January guidance as to our expectations for 2019. The Company has met the key milestones we anticipated and once back on site we will commence the site survey and development of a phased rapid production plan with a strategic partner or partners. Given the deployment of FACA at Kaga Bandoro, we expect this return to site will be imminent.

We seek Safe Harbor.

About AXMIN

AXMIN is a Canadian exploration and development company with a strong focus on central and West Africa. AXMIN is positioned to grow in value as it progresses its Passendro Gold Project towards development and builds on its project pipeline focusing on transitioning from an explorer to producer. For more information regarding AXMIN visit our website at www.axmininc.com. Please follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/axmininc.

World Bank Provides $100 Million for the LONDO Project in the Central African Republic

WASHINGTON, May 30, 2019 - The World Bank Board of Executive Directors today approved a $100 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA)* for the LONDO project in the Central African Republic (CAR).

This additional financing will provide temporary employment to vulnerable persons and facilitate access to basic services nationwide. Known as “LONDO+,” this financing will help triple the number of labor-intensive public works beneficiaries, providing close to 5 million paid work days in the country.

“While it will take time for the formal private sector to establish itself across the entire country, the project will continue to fill an important gap by providing temporary jobs in all of the CAR’s districts, including the most remote areas. It will also provide access to basic services, especially in isolated areas where neither humanitarian nor development actors operate,” says Jean-Christophe Carret, World Bank Country Director for the Central African Republic.

LONDO+ will directly support implementation of the peace agreement signed in Bangui on February 6, 2019. Under this agreement, development projects will provide basic socioeconomic infrastructure, jobs, and labor-intensive public works programs. LONDO+ has five components: (i) local governance; (ii) public infrastructure; (iii) socioeconomic integration; (iv) project management; and (v) contingency emergency response.

Sophie Grumelard, World Bank Senior Social Protection Specialist and Task Team Leader for the project, explains that “the project will gradually promote a bottom-up approach to development to allow communities to articulate their needs to the central government through the local authorities that will represent and defend their interests. It will increase the Government’s logistical and technical capacity and agility to respond to crises in provinces with extremely poor and vulnerable communities.”

The new closing date for the LONDO project is July 30, 2024.

*The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), established in 1960, helps the world’s poorest countries by providing grants and zero-interest loans for projects and programs that boost economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve poor people’s lives. IDA is one of the largest sources of assistance for the world’s 75 poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa. Resources from IDA bring positive change to 1.5 billion people. Since its inception, IDA has supported development work in 113 countries. Annual commitments have averaged around $18 billion over the past three years, with about 54 percent going to Africa.

The Revolution Justice was one of the 14 signatories of the February 5, 2019 Khartoum, Sudan peace accord with the government.

In spite of the difficult security situation in the Central African Republic, CAR, which last month saw the massacre in Paoua of 30 civilians by 3R rebels, progress is being made in restoring peace. Some 14 armed groups on February 5, 2019 in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, reached a peace deal with the government of President Faustin-Archange Touadéra. Agency reports say the RévolutionJustice, RJ rebel movement of Armel Ningatouloum Sayo, which operated in the far north-west and west of the country, last week completed the disarmament of its combatants.

"There are no more RJ fighters in the localities we visited," noted Captain Guy-Sylvain Goné, head of the disarmament and demobilization mission that visited the area. He added that the last fighter to hand in his weapon was Luther Bétoumbam, Chief of Staff of the defunct RJ rebel movement. Révolution-Justice leader, Armel Ningatouloum Sayo, was one of the re presentatives of 14 armed groups who signed the peace agreement with government last February. He was later appointed High Commissioner in charge of National Pioneer Youth, with rank of a cabinet minister.

All disarmed combatants have two choices - join the military or learn a trade and be reintegrated into society. Meanwhile, Mankeur Ndiaye, the Special Representative and head of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, MINUSCA, will on June 15, 2019 brief the United Nations Security Council on the SecretaryGeneral's MINUSCA report. The Chair of the Peace-building Commission's Central African Republic configuration, Ambassador Omar Hilale of Morocco, may also brief the Council. MINUSCA's mandate expires on November 15, 2019.

Note: This is a very long research report and only the briefing is posted.

In this article, we highlight people’s appreciation of the positive impact of South-South relations. This study is based on data collected from a survey conducted in 2018 with 624 people. Through this study, we study how the actions led by China in the field of natural resources in CAR have impacted in the country and on local people. We note that the presence of a foreign power in the field of natural resources is conditioned by the achievement of certain actions in quite diverse fields. Also, no results indicate that China has conducted many actions in CAR that have had a positive impact on the sample. Through this study, we show the importance of diversifying part- nerships through South-South relations. We found that China does not condition its interventions by political or social requirements. China’s relations with CAR, as with all other African countries, are based on the principle of win-win cooperation. Beyond France and China, this article concerns others states wishing to invest in the Central African Republic (also in all Africa countries). It invites them to adopt the principle of mutually beneficial cooperation in the development of a poor country.

Example of successful mining deal:

In 2017, the Central African Government and the Chinese company ThienPaoSarl signed a contract for five mining exploration permits mentioned above. This contract involved the exploitation of natural resources in western CAR (Krock, 2017). The Chinese company DEWEY has planned to rehabilitate school and administrative buildings, as well as the construction of new roads and a health center (Mbaye, 2017). DEWY operates in a semi-mechanized manner, the mineral resources (diamonds and gold) in the sub-prefecture of Gadzi (southwest), on the Lobaye River in the region between Boda and Carnot. We have seen a huge influx of Chinese investors in CAR for the exploitation of natural resources these last times

Axmin Inc. has granted stock options to directors, officers and advisers of the company for an aggregate of 3.75 million stock options of the company exercisable at 60 cents, effective July 2, 2019. The options shall expire and terminate on July 2, 2024.

These stock options have been granted in accordance with the company's stock option plan 2005. Immediately following this award of stock options, the company has issued and outstanding stock options for 11.65 million common shares of the company and there were 1,773,738 stock options of the company available for future grant.

About Axmin Inc.

Axmin is a Canadian exploration and development company with a strong focus on Central Africa and West Africa. Axmin is positioned to grow in value as it progresses its Passendro gold project toward development and builds on its project pipeline focusing on transitioning from an explorer to producer.

Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - Hundreds of fighters from several militia groups in conflict-torn Central African Republic have laid down their weapons, the United Nations said on Wednesday, as the impoverished country struggles to end bloodshed among armed groups that control vast swathes of territory.

The nation, gripped by crisis since a 2013 coup, is striving to disarm and demobilise some 14 rebel groups as part of its latest peace efforts, which are supported by the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA.

So far, "five groups are already engaged in the process, disarming more than 450 fighters" in the west of the country, MINUSCA's deputy chief Kenneth Gluck told a press conference in the capital Bangui.

Among these he highlighted the Democratic Front of Central African People (FDPC), which he said had been "completely disarmed", adding that fighters of the Revolution and Justice (RJ) and the UFR-anti-Balaka militias had also given up arms.

He said the 3R militia group, blamed for the massacre of more than 50 civilians in May, has also pledged to lay down its arms.

The bloodshed in villages near the northwestern town of Paoua, close to the border with Chad, was the worst single loss of life since the government and the 14 militias signed the deal in February aimed at restoring peace to one of Africa's most troubled countries.

The largely Muslim Seleka ("alliance") coalition that ousted president Francois Bozize 2013 was officially dissolved the same year before fragmenting into separate groups including the 3R.

Nominally Christian militias called the anti-Balaka emerged in response to the coup, accelerating a cycle of sectarian violence.

UN envoy Mankeur Ndiaye stressed the importance of dialogue in ending the unrest, saying: "There is no military alternative to the Central African crisis."

With some 11,650 troops and 2,080 police deployed, according to the United Nations, MINUSCA's top priority is to protect civilians and stem the daily violence.

Former colonial power France intervened militarily from 2013 to 2016 to expel the Seleka, and then wound down the operation.

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